Colchester Zoo has confirmed passholders will be able to visit without needing to book this week as part of a trial.

The attraction, in Maldon Road, has announced plans to help those with passes make the most of the zoo. 

As of today anyone passholders can visit the zoo after 11am without needing to book. 

The trial will run until Friday, April 23. 

A spokesman for the zoo said: "Those visiting before 11am and on any of our other available visit dates are still required to pre-book at this time.

"Further changes may be made as we review this. Thank you for your patience.

"Please be aware that should we reach our capacity a one in-one out system will put in place and entry cannot be guaranteed."

The zoo is currently releasing tickets seven days in advance for both paying visitors and passholders.

Both have to book a time slot for arrival on the day of their visit up until zoo close. 

The zoo said it hoped by releasing tickets just seven days in advance it will avoid the high requests it receives to change and refund tickets as tickets are non-refundable and there is an admin fee to change dates.