Abingdon residents plan lockdown 'zoo day' for May 31

The group in Abingdon are asking people to put any kind of 'animal' – be it a soft toy, ornament or even just a poster – in their front garden, on their doorstep or in their window.

They are even encouraging people to put their exhibitions in a proper zoo-like setting with a small information board giving facts about that beast.

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The idea is that families will be able to walk around their town spotting the creatures and have 'a day at the zoo'.

The event is all being planned for Sunday, May 31, from 10am to 5pm.

Organisers are now appealing for as many people to get in touch as possible.

Explaining their idea on Facebook, the group said: "We can’t take our children to a real zoo right now, so we are going to create our own – and we’d like your help!

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"Inspired by the success of similar events in other areas, we are trying to get as many homes and businesses to display an animal outside (or in the window) for children to spot on their walks (preferably with a few facts displayed also, like a real zoo).

"This animal could be a soft toy, a picture, poster, garden ornament, a wooden toy, junk modelling, you could colour or paint a template, use chalk on the pavement... just preferably not real please!

"You can choose any animal – my three-year-old would like to do a sabre-toothed cat exhibit: imagination is encouraged (equally feel free to stay simple – the more the merrier).

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"If you can include the animal’s name and a few facts about the animal on a poster that would be even better – we will all learn something and it will be great practice for researching, reading and writing."

Find out more and join the fun at facebook.com/AbingdonZooDay