A charity has covered the costs of school visits to Dudley Zoo and Castle.

The Richardson Brothers Foundation has funded free educational visits to the attraction for schools within the Dudley and Sandwell local authorities.

Schools with at least 40 per cent of pupils on pupil premium can benefit from the free trips.

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The schools can also book complimentary self-guided visits or outreach sessions, where the zoo comes to the school, throughout the academic year.

The zoo will also help with travel costs, offering to cover 50 per cent of coach travel for eligible schools.

Jack Williams,the zoo's head of education and conservation, said: "As part of our commitment as a 21st century zoo, we aim to inspire and excite children about the natural world by providing an opportunity to learn more about an incredible array of wildlife.

"Dudley Zoo and Castle has a long-standing association with Roy Richardson, who was a trustee here during the 1990s and we thank the Richardson Brothers Foundation for continuing to support our ongoing conservation work, by giving us the opportunity to engage with as many local primary school learners as possible, while alleviating financial pressures on schools and parents."

The Richardson family business was founded more than 70 years ago and following years of charitable giving, the Richardson Brothers Foundation was established in 2006 to provide financial support to a variety of charities and individuals.

Jan Jennings, on behalf of the foundation, said: "Dudley Zoo and Castle is such an important attraction for the Black Country and does amazing conservation work that has a national and international impact.

"The foundation is really pleased to support travel, visit and education costs for children and young people in the region, so even more of them can experience all it has to offer."