COLCHESTER Zoo has invited budding poets to compete to be part of a limited edition souvenir guide of the park.

The Maldon Road attraction is creating the guide to celebrate its 60th birthday this year.

A statement reads: “We are currently working on a limited-edition souvenir guide which is due out this spring and would love to include a special poem written by one of our loyal visitors.

“We invite you to share your happiest memories of Colchester Zoo from the last 60 years with a poem to commemorate this significant milestone.

“Whether you enjoy walks in our beautiful gardens, lunch with friends, visits to our special events or simply love a full day out at the zoo and all the important conservation work we support, we would love to hear from you.

“All poems submitted will be read by the management team here at Colchester Zoo and the winning poem will be published in our 60th anniversary souvenir guide.”

Zoo bosses have revealed a series of birthday events will run throughout 2023.

Anyone interested in entering the competition should send their poem to marketing@colchesterzoo.org by Friday, January 27.