A POPULAR tourist attraction in Dorchester is scrapping entrance fee charges when it reopens its doors to the public on April 12.

Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park will be open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm and entrance charges have been scrapped - which will continue indefinitely.

Visitors can also expect some other changes at Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens.

Luke Rake, Kingston Maurward principal and chief executive, said: "We're changing the animal mix, so we’ve said goodbye to the ‘exotic’ animals such as the wallabies and rhea, and will be focusing on the farm animals and the small furries young children love."

A tea room is likely to be opened in the old ground floor state rooms of the main house at Kingston Maurward, which will also offer celebration high teas for special events.

The Barn Café is reopening for takeaways, but the soft play will stay shut for a little longer due to hygiene.