Zoo volunteers are being recruited for duties ranging from feeding meerkats to planting wetland habitats.

Twycross Zoo is setting up a programme which will give anyone interested the chance to use their skills in return for free admission to the zoo.

Friends of Twycross, which is replacing the Twycross Zoo Association, will train members of the public to get involved.

The zoo said it was not looking for people to work directly with animals, other than pets, but volunteers might help with public talks, guided tours and activities at holiday times.

Zoo director Susie Boardman said: "Twycross Zoo Association has done great work and we're hugely grateful for this, but with all the changes the zoo is undergoing, we've realised we need to train volunteers ourselves to make sure they are highly skilled.

"We want them to increase their knowledge of the natural world and share this with our visitors."

To apply, call 0844 474 1777 or visit:

www.twycrosszoo.org/ volunteers