NOW THAT Longleat Safari Park has closed its gates to the public, the park's newest lion cubs are settling down for the long winter ahead.

The three cubs were born more than two months ago to mother Diane and dad Simba, with a close eye being kept on their progress by Longleat staff.

Despite remaining nameless the cubs have already become the main attraction with visitors and keepers.

Although they are still being fed by their 14- year-old mother, the cubs have also started to eat meat which is fed to them by other lions in the eight- strong pride.

Head warden Keith Harris said the cubs were getting on well and were settling into the rigidity of the pride's hierarchy.

He said: "They are just over-sized kittens and are finding their way around the enclosure.

"As in the wild the males will eat their share of the meat, followed by the females and then the cubs last.

"We try to make sure the lions don't over-breed. We usually look at about a litter every year, which can vary between one and five cubs."

Chief lion keeper Bob Trollope added: "Like most lion mums Diane has also been extremely protective of her cubs and, although we've kept a close eye on her to make sure everything's progressing as it should be, we have let her get on with things herself.

"Hopefully one day they'll emulate mum and dad and have cubs of their own."

lLord Bath's new book was launched this month.

The New World Order of Alexander Thynn reveals Lord Bath's thoughts and feelings about subjects such as religion, politics, marriage and the meaning of life.

Lord Bath talks openly about his belief in God, as well as the practice of having more than one partner at a time.

This is Lord Bath's fourth book. His earlier published titles include The King is Dead, The Carry-Cot and Pillars of the Establishment.

A hundred limited edition signed copies printed on vellum are available at £10 each from the Lady Bath shop at Longleat, the website www.longleat.co.uk or direct from the publishers.