DISABLED children had a “fantastic time” during a rare trip to Bristol Zoo on Saturday.

Children’s charities Sparkle and Dreams & Wishes joined forces with Newport Transport to take youngsters to see some of the 400 or so species living at the zoo including meerkats, apes and snakes.

The children attend Serennu Children’s Centre in Newport, which looks after young people aged three to 18 with disabilities and developmental difficulties as well as illnesses including cancer.

Dreams & Wishes founder Tony Curtis MBE, 58, said yesterday [Sunday]: “They had a fantastic time, an absolutely brilliant time.

“They had a sing along on the way back.

“It was our first ever trip to Bristol Zoo.

“These children are suffering from illnesses but they enjoyed the day.”

Serennu Children’s Centre has provided facilities and activities for recreation, leisure, sport and family engagement for children from Newport, South Monmouthshire and South Torfaen.

Newport Transport provided the bus, travel and tickets for free following a relaunch of its summer day trips earlier this year.

About 50 children and adults were on their bus on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Dreams & Wishes made cakes and sandwiches for the children taking part in the trip.

The charity has been working with families across the UK, providing vital support throughout children’s illnesses as well as helping to build happy memories by granting lifelong wishes.

One parent said on Facebook: “Thank you Dreams & Wishes for a lovely day in Bristol Zoo, the children enjoyed it, and thank you for the cupcakes and teddies.”

Kay Richmond added: “Well done Tony and all at Dreams & Wishes, you continue to give children and families amazing experiences.”

Sparkle supports Gwent children with a disability or developmental difficulty living and their families and is based at the children’s centre.

Sparkle is also one of Newport Transport’s chosen charities for 2015.