IF you go down to the woods today, be sure of a big surprise.

While there are not really any woods at Brook Acre Primary School, children were certainly in for shock when they arrived to the news an escaped 'animal' was on the loose.

Teachers showed pupils a cordoned off area of the school field where it appeared a crate had been broken open and various clues were scattered around .

Several classes visited Knowsley Safari Park in the summer, and park wardens recorded a video to say a new animal was due to arrive in September that would pass by the school.

PCSO Steve Bingham and Stronger Together warden James Macdonald worked with children to investigate the mystery site to identify the species of animal and track its whereabouts.

Thanks to their fact finding, a new species of Orangorilla was discovered by teachers.

The children made written reports, fact sheets and stories about the escaped animal.

Information was sent on to the wardens at Knowsley, detailing the primate's care needs and favourite foods.