AWARD-winning zoo Drusillas has opened its biggest attraction yet in time for half term.

It launched Go Safari a week ahead of schedule on Sunday.

The new rides are already proving to be a big hit with visitors.

The £1 million project is the single biggest investment made by the park, near Alfriston.

Managing director Laurence Smith said: “We are very excited about the arrival of Go Safari. Although Drusillas Park is a zoo first and foremost, leisure aspects have been part of the mix throughout our 90-year history and we are confident that this is going to be another great addition.

“A huge amount of hard work has gone into the construction and we are so grateful to all those that have helped us bring the project to fruition.”

The attraction includes rides where families can speed through the air on a flying cheetah, launch into the clouds on the hippoptobus, or climb aboard the African-themed Safari Express train and take a journey into the heart of the zoo.

A soft launch this week will give staff the chance to be trained on the new equipment and smooth out any teething problems.