DRUSILLAS Park has been named Best Family Attraction in the Sussex Muddy Stillettos’ awards.

The popular zoo in Alfriston received 53.9 per cent of the votes for its category.

Muddy Stilettos, ‘The Urban Guide to the Countryside’, is a series of lifestyle blogazines written by journalists across 18 counties in the UK.

This year saw more than 250,000 people voting in the awards.

Director and head of marketing Cassie Poland said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been rated so highly in these awards.

“We are constantly evolving and improving.

“We introduce new animals and attractions every year and are constantly adding value.

“This year we have launched our biggest ever attraction Go Safari! as well as introducing a number of new animals to the zoo, including a giant anteater – a species never before seen at Drusillas Park.

“The winners are voted for entirely by the public so it is a real honour to have been named Best Family Attraction by our own visitors.

“We are just thrilled to have won and feel that this award is a true testament to the hard work and dedication all our staff put in to providing an exceptional visitor attraction.”

Drusillas Park is a family-run business founded in 1925 when the late Captain Ann bought a derelict farm and 20 acres of land and opened the cottage to sell teas to passing motorists.

He named the tea rooms after his first wife Drusilla adding attractions and animals to help boost trade.

Drusillas remained in the Ann family until 1997 when it was acquired by current owners Laurence and Christine Smith.