Elephant shines with football skills

Fancy footwork has helped Latabe, a 15-year-old African elephant at the West Midland Safari and Leisure Park at Bewdley, prove her ability on the football pitch.

Now she is honing her skills to perfection and although there may not be a champion's cup waiting for her or the chance of an England call-up, Latabe has certainly won admiration from her fans among the staff at the park.

She has proved surprisingly adept at dribbling and a definite match for her keeper, 23-year-old Lewis Hodson.

Latabe's football prowess was spotted four weeks ago when she started kicking a ball around during playtime.

Lewis, who has been her keeper for eight years, is passionate about football and was delighted to find Latabe was willing to give him a game.