Mike Dilger opens Dudley Zoo's revamped reptile house

Around 150 visitors turned out to see ecologist and TV presenter Mike Dilger cut the ribbon on the revamped attraction in a ceremony at the weekend.

And Mr Dilger, originally from Stafford, said it was an honour to follow in the footsteps of Sir Peter Scott, who first opened the reptile house in 1956.

As part of the scheme, a new glazed entrance has been created with timber flooring and cladding added to walls around the public-viewing corridors.

Individual enclosures have also been re-modelled.

Mr Dilger gave a speech before officially opening the new-look reptile house and the ceremony was followed by a tour of the facility.

Mr Dilger, who presents pieces for The One Show, said: "Being from the region I have very clear memories of visiting Dudley Zoo as a child.

"I think the zoo and its staff have done a wonderful job with the improvements to the reptile house and I think everyone at the opening was very impressed by what they saw. I am delighted to have been asked to perform the opening by the zoo. It is always great to be back in the West Midlands."

The reptile house includes an African spurred tortoise, beaded dragon, boa constrictor and Burmese python. Zoo chief executive Peter Suddock said the collection of reptiles was very popular.

"While the refurbishment has been carried out for the animals' benefit, it will also make the reptile house more attractive to visitors," he said.

"We are delighted Mike agreed to perform the opening ceremony. We met when he came to the zoo in January to film us coping with the heavy snowfall.