Dudley Zoo unveils new bostin’ beach thanks to Doreen Tipton

Much-loved Black Country comedian Doreen Tipton officially opened 50ft by 30ft beach, Ow Bin Ya Sands, just in time for the warm May Bank Holiday weekend.

Complete with 80 tonnes of sand, piles of buckets and spades, two giant deckchairs and plenty of picnic tables, the beach will be near the sensory garden for the rest of the summer.

To celebrate the opening of the beach at Dudley Zoo, today will see popular children’s entertainers Flip and Dippy stage puppet shows and demonstrate circus skills.

WATCH: Doreen Tipton launches the new beach at Dudley Zoo

But, according to Met Office forecaster Bonnie Diamond, plans to enjoy the beach and barbecue weather outdoors in the West Midlands may be put on hold, as the chance of some rain and thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday could be likely.

Bank Holiday weekend weather forecast

Forecasters have issued a yellow warning for rain in the West Midlands from 6am today until 11.59pm on Sunday – with heavy showers and thunderstorms affecting parts of Southern Britain, stretching up to the West Midlands.

Ms Diamond said: “There is a bit of uncertainty for the West Midlands, especially on Saturday, as it is just on the border area of cloud that covers Wales and South West England.

"It will be cloudy at times, but there could be some sunny spells in the afternoon. But as well, there is said to be a risk of showers but I don’t think it will be thundery in the West Midlands.

“We will see showers in the morning but it will turn drier and brighter in the afternoon and into the evening. The maximum temperatures will be around 22C.

“Sunday brings a risk of some possible heavy thunderstorms. There is a yellow weather warning in the area from Saturday. The worst day of the weekend will probably be Sunday, but temperatures could reach 22C to 24C.

“On Monday there will be fairly similar areas of clouds and sunny spells, but a risk of some thunder storms. Temperatures will be about 20C.”