People abandoned their vehicles, causing chaos on the roads near Monkey World on Thursday.

For the half term week Monkey World at Longhorns offered children entry to the park for just £1 each when they bring a present for the primates and are accompanied by a full paying adult.


However the offer attracted a record amount of visitors causing the ape sanctuary to close its doors and shut the car park.

In a statement on their website, Monkey World said: "Due to recent wet weather conditions we are unable to provide car parking facilities at the park. We are unable to accept any further visitors travelling by car today."

It was reported that some drivers abandoned their vehicles and walked to the venue.

There was heavy traffic and long delays on Tout Hill both ways between Bere Regis and Bovington Camp.

A spokesman from Dorset Police said they received a call at 12.18pm reporting concerns of traffic in the area.

They added they had issued an alert for motorists to avoid the area.

"Local officers have been made aware but have not attended," a police spokesman said.