High winds force safari park to close

Longleat safari park's lions appear unimpressed by the weather

High winds have led to the closure of Longleat Safari Park.

It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind which covers most of England and all of Wales until 18:00 BST on Monday.

In a statement, the safari Park, near Warminster in Wiltshire, said: "We have taken the decision to close... to ensure you are kept safe."

The venue said it hopes to reopen on Tuesday.

On Sunday, the Wiltshire estate had been forced to bring an early end to an air show it had been hosting due to strong winds and heavy rain.

Icons of the Sky, involving planes and hot air balloons, began on Friday and included displays from a Supermarine Spitfire and the RAF Falcons to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

"It was disappointing to finish Icons of the Sky earlier than we had hoped today but the weather meant it was not possible to continue," Scott Ashman, head of operations, said.

The Longleat estate hosted Icons of the Sky over the weekend

As part of it's weather warning, the Met Office said coastal gales may develop bringing large waves to southern and western shores and that travel disruption and power cuts were possible.

Gusts up to 45-55mph are expected inland with 60-70mph possible around coasts and hills, with heavy rain an additional hazard

The Met Office said it is currently "not expecting to name the storm". The warning level for the UK is yellow, which is the lowest tier. A storm is named when it is forecast to cause "medium" or "high" impacts.