IT has already been recognised for its animal welfare work, but Monkey World has now received an award for its services to visitors.

The ape rescue centre, near Wareham, has been presented with the Service Excellency Award as part of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's Open Your Doors Campaign, which aims to educate service providers about how they can best serve visually impaired customers.

A guide dog owner from Tamworth made the nomination following a visit to the park.

A set of three sculptures has been made of an adult male orangutan, a chimpanzee and a marmoset which visually impaired visitors can touch in order to know what the animals look like.

Dr Alison Cronin, scientific director of Monkey World, said: "We are very pleased to receive such a wonderful award."

First published: August 26