WHEN his favourite zoo put out a call for help to keep it up and running, animal fan Ellis Torlop knew he had to answer.

The eight-year-old from Winnington felt so strongly about helping the animals at Chester Zoo that he decided to put his best foot forward and raise money for its current fundraising campaign.

In less than a week the St Wilfird’s Primary School pupil wracked up the 20 miles it would take to travel from his home to the popular visitor attraction, raising more than £1,150.

Ellis, who has adopted a number of animals at the zoo including a penguin and currently a sloth, has walked miles around Winnington and has been supported by family and friends in his epic endeavour.

Mum Kia Stockall said: “He absolutely loves animals and Chester Zoo is his favourite place. He’s had an animal adopted in his name there for the past few years.

“When he discovered that the zoo needed help it to keep running, he really wanted to do something help.

"Initially he said he wanted to raise £100, but the figure just kept rising. When it got to £600 and he said he wanted to beat that and make £1,000. We weren't sure if it would happen but he's done it - it's amazing.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant – I’m really proud that he stuck at it and completed it.”

Ellis, who would like to work with animals when he is older, said he’s looking forward to being able to go back to the zoo when it officially reopens and will definitely be paying a visit to the sloth enclosure if he can.

There's still time to add to Ellis's fundrasing efforts. You can make a donation at justgiving.com/fundraising/kia-moore