EDDISBURY MP Antoinette Sandbach is supporting an ivory surrender to help protect elephants from slaughter.

Launched by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, members of the public are being invited to turn in their own ivory to be destroyed.

It forms part of a campaign to close the UK’s ivory market and save the iconic species from the threat of extinction.

Antoinette Sandbach MP said: “With elephant populations at an all-time low I am very pleased to support this important initiative which enables the public to make a real difference.

“I would encourage any of my constituents who have unwanted ivory to surrender it.

New polling released by the IFAW reveals that 95 per cent of respondents stated that they would not be interested in purchasing antique ivory.

Philip Mansbridge, UK director of IFAW, said: “Time is really runout out for elephants and if we do not act now it will be too late.

“We have recently seen strong moves from China and the US to tackle their own trades which is to be welcomed.

“It is time for us to also take a stand by saying ivory belong to elephants and no-one else.”

Anyone wish to donate items is asked to post them to Campaigns Department, International Fund for Animal Welfare, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7UD.

For queries or large items email info-uk@ifaw.org or call 020 7587 6700.