A popular Kent zoo has banned children's skateboards, scooters and bikes from its site.

Wingham Wildlife Park bosses say ramps, which were designed to improve accessibility for visitors, have instead been used by speeding thrill-seekers.

The move to crack down on the vehicles at the site near Canterbury has been welcomed by animal lovers, who say the riders were "annoying and dangerous".

A park spokesman announced: "We can no longer allow any children's bikes, scooters or skateboards into the park, unfortunately.

"Ramps around the park are designed to improve accessibility but are often being used to speed down on scooters, etc.

"We understand how much fun this must be and we always love to see visitors having a great time at our park but the safety of everyone at the park is paramount to us and so we must put this new rule in place."

The ban will come into place today.

Visitors have backed the decision, with one even noting that she saw a speeding youngster almost collide with a dad holding his toddler during her last day out at the park.

The social media user said: "I have to say it does get annoying and dangerous sometimes.

"When I visited a month or so back, I saw two kids zip down that very ramp and one of them went flying.

"Not only did that kid get hurt, but they just narrowly missed hitting a man with a toddler on his shoulders."

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, imposed a similar ban on all wheel-based toys six years ago.

This came after a number of accidents and near-misses involving children in the grounds.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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