Coventry’s plans for UK City of Culture in 2021 have received fresh business backing from across the region – and a thumbs up from one of the stars at a Midlands zoo.

Support from the business community was a major factor in Coventry securing the title over 12 months ago and the Coventry City of Culture Trust has continued to attract new backers in the year since.

Leap IT, Rowley Auto, Utility Team, Aquarius Interiors and Skydome Coventry, managed by Colliers International, are the latest firms to join the 2021 Club alongside Twycross Zoo meaning now there are 141 companies in that club with the aim to get to 150.

And the firms headed over to the zoo to meet Nicole Malatesta, the fundraising officer at the Coventry City of Culture Trust, and some of the animals.

Nicole said: “We are so grateful to all of our new 2021 Club members as their support makes it possible for us to turn our plans for an amazing build-up, year and legacy into a reality.

“We wanted a place to meet to thank all our new supporters and while they are all great places to work, none of them could offer the surroundings – and characters – that Twycross Zoo could!

“It was so nice to see how the zoo has evolved and continues to evolve with conservation and sustainability at the heart of everything it does.

“We had the chance to see a few of the animals as we walked round and we drew some special interest from the chimpanzees – we’ve even got a thumbs up from one of them!”

Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, CEO of Twycross Zoo, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the team at Coventry City of Culture Trust and we’re excited by the opportunity this presents to put the spotlight on the great work that takes place across our region.

“We are looking forward to being part of the UK City of Culture 2021 accolade and welcoming visitors from around the world to visit Twycross Zoo.”