AS big surprises go, this one's huge.

Proving big is beautiful, Roly Poly Mo Moreland and husband Roy got an extra special ruby wedding anniversary surprise when the Cheerful Sparrows - a charity which helps the poor and needy across the Fylde - helped Mo realise a lifetime ambition.

Larger than life Mo, a committee member of the charity, helped wash Katie and Crumble, two four tonne, 30-year-old Indian elephants at Blackpool Zoo on Tuesday.

And, with the help of two attendants, Mo even climbed on the back of Katie.

In a full morning of fun, Mo and Roy were chauffeur-driven to the zoo, courtesy of Clouds, and had a plaque presented to them for their anniversary which will be mounted in the Elephant House.

Mo, who was joined by the other Roly Polys, said: "What a wonderful wedding surprise. I couldn't have thought of anything better I'd want to do. "I'm mad about elephants. I don't know what it is about them, but I fell in love with them when I was in South Africa.

"I've never been as close to one as I have been today and it's something I'll never forget."

Husband Roy Moreland, vice chairman of the Cheerful Sparrows, was just as shocked at the surprise. He said: "We knew nothing about it. I thought we were going to the De Vere Hotel for breakfast, but when we started to drive into the zoo I didn't know what was waiting for us.

"But it's been great. Mo's elephant crazy and I've got to be careful I don't start to come second to them."

Chief organiser of the event, Sandra Parker, said: " Mo said to me she was passionate about elephants, so I thought this would be a nice thing to do.

"They're big and beautiful, just like the Roly Polys.

"It's taken months of preparation, but it's far better than just a bunch of flowers."

The happy couple, who married at Nottingham Register Office, will be celebrating the anniversary further at a private party on Friday (August 27).

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