DRUSILLAS Park at Alfriston is supporting Demelza as its charity of the year 2017.

Demelza is a children’s hospice charity that provides essential care to families who have children with a life-limiting illness across East Sussex, Kent and South East London.

It offers expert and compassionate care for babies, children, young people and their families when they need it the most.

Zoo park MD Christine Smith said: “We are thrilled to be working with Demelza in 2017.

“As Drusillas Park is enjoyed by so many young families it is very important to us to support a charity that provides such amazing care for children.

“We are very proud to be partnering with Demelza and look forward to working closely with them over the course of the year.”

At Demelza families are able to enjoy quality time together in a supportive environment. The charity’s invaluable care is free of charge to families and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Community fundraiser Julie Brett said: “I’m absolutely thrilled Drusillas Park chose Demelza to be their charity of the year!

“It’s a superb partnership for us, as so many children and families visit this fantastic zoo we’ll really be able to boost awareness of our work in the local community.

“We’re just in the process of expanding our services in East Sussex so this couldn’t have come at a better time for us.

“We were very impressed at our recent visit to Drusillas and can’t wait to see their new attractions.

“We’re really keen to work alongside their staff with lots of fun activities throughout the year.”

Exciting events are being planned throughout 2017, including a group visit to Drusillas, a ride on the brand new Safari Express train, as well as a trip around the park’s newest attraction, Go Safari! which opens this month.

Demelza will have an ongoing presence at the park.