CHESTER Zoo's visitors were given access all areas to the award-winning tourist attraction thanks to the Five television series Zoo Days.

From the comfort of their armchairs, viewers got up close and personal with some of the zoo's 7,000 animals and got to know the dedicated keepers and vets.

Now people are going to be given the chance to see a little more of the zoo for real.

Special VIP experiences and tours are being offered, taking people behind the scenes, meeting the keepers and vets, visiting animal houses and areas previously unseen by general visitors and finding out about real life at the 110-acre zoo.

Michelle Duma, of Chester Zoo's Development Department, said: "We're offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience to people who are real Chester Zoo enthusiasts and it's an opportunity not to be missed."

The VIP evenings will be held on Friday July 4 and Saturday August 16 with four tours and a gala buffet on each evening. The events start at 5pm and run until 9pm and each tour is limited to six people.

The cost is £750 per tour or £3000 to book the whole event, up to a maximum of 24 people.

To book a space, contact Michelle on 01244 650265.