A DALTON zoo is encouraging people to nominate chronically ill or disabled children and their families to enjoy a special evening of sensory fun.

South Lakes Safari Zoo will host its annual "Dreamnight At The Zoo" on Tuesday July 8.

The night gives blind, deaf and disabled kids as well as children with long-term illnesses the chance to feed and pet animals away from the bustling crowds.

Jill Heath, who is organising the event for the first time, said: "It gives them that chance to enjoy the zoo without the long queues and the large crowds.

"If they've got to stand in long queues it can be quite agitating for them and their families can find it impossible to keep them calm while they're standing in long queues.

"We want it to be a special experience for the children but these kind of nights also give them mums and dads an opportunity to make some memories together."

The Dreamnight, which is now in its 12th year, originated from Rotterdam Zoo in the Netherlands which first staged the event in 1996.

Since then, the night has grown in popularity across the world and is now staged annually in 177 zoos across 35 countries.

South Lakes Safari Zoo is expecting 300-400 people to attend the event in July.

As well as accepting nominations from children with chronic illnesses, Mrs Heath also wants young carers to be nominated for the work that they do.

She said: "They often get overlooked but they deserve a good night too. Although they're not the ones suffering they still have to live with that affliction or disability.

"Everyone here is really looking forward to it, this is my first year organising it but I know that's it's something that the staff absolutely love doing because they feel like they are giving something back to the community."

If you would like to nominate a child who suffers from a long-term illness or a young carer who deserves a special night at the zoo, contact South Lakes Safari on 01229 466086.

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