Volunteering at zoos boosts your physical and mental well-being, according to a new survey.

More than 60 Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA) volunteers at Norfolk's Banham Zoo and Africa Alive!, near Lowestoft, praised the volunteering programme and its benefits.

Claire Ingram, volunteer co-ordinator, said she was delighted with the positive feedback.

She said: 'We have seen at first-hand volunteers thrive as part of our dedicated team of staff and volunteers but seeing in their own words just what volunteering can bring to people's lives has been a moving experience.'

Nearly 60pc of respondents said their physical and mental wellbeing had improved as a result of volunteering, and almost 75pc said their self-confidence had gone up as well.

The nation-wide survey was led by Chester Zoo, and looked at the unique benefits gained by volunteering in zoos.