Universal Credit families offered special Chester Zoo price

The discounted tickets will be available for visits between December 18-31 and can be booked online in advance.

The initiative is a new addition to the zoo’s long-running Community Connections Scheme, which aims to reduce financial barriers to visiting the national conservation zoo for households and community groups.

Tickets priced at £1 will be available to people receiving Universal Credit, including claimants of Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance and Housing Benefit.

Chester Zoo said the scheme is designed to help families on lower incomes enjoy the zoo during the festive period and connect with nature.

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Charlotte Smith, the zoo’s director of Conservation Education, said the scheme was put in place to help make the great experience of the zoo available to all.

She said: “We know that spending time outdoors and around wildlife can have a really positive impact on people.

“We hope this helps more families enjoy a special day out together over the festive period, especially when this time of year can be difficult for many.

“We hope this brightens the season for many more households.”

Tickets are limited in number each day and cannot be purchased at the gate, or with any other offer or promotion.

To qualify, visitors must have received a benefit payment within the past month and will need to show proof of eligibility and photo ID on arrival.

A maximum of six people per household can attend under the scheme, with children aged 12 months and under and carers admitted free of charge.

For the full terms and conditions and to book, visit: www.chesterzoo.org/universalcredit