A five-year-old girl who has raised over £2,000 for Chester Zoo is looking forward to returning and seeing all her favourite animals following the Government's forthcoming decision that the zoo will be allowed to reopen.

Josie Hughes, (5), is currently halfway through her seven day straight sponsored litter pick, which started on Saturday and was launched to save her beloved Chester Zoo.

The family have already visited Congleton Park, Clough Hall Park, and its surrounding area as well as Mow Cop Castle and a stretch of the canal in Rode Heath and Kidsgrove. The remaining places they will be visiting are Bathpool and Astbury Mere Country Park.

Josie's mum, Leanne Clarke told Congleton Nub News, that they originally set a fundraising target of £100 after launching the JustGiving page, but the family have been blown away by the generous community. At the time of writing this article Josie had raised £2,080, which is a further £1,350 since Nub News reported on Josie's fundraising efforts only six days ago.

Miss Clarke, who used to live in Congleton before moving to Kidsgrove three years ago, said: "When we first decided to try and help Chester Zoo by raising money we never thought that halfway through her seven day litter pick the amount raised would be over £2000.

"It's been absolutely amazing, the support, messages and donations for Josie and the zoo has blown us away.

"People have also stopped to talk to us while we've been out and have said what a great thing it is for her to be doing, but that it's also a shame that there is the amount of rubbish left for her to be able to pick up!

"It's surprising how much is around when at every place so far there has been at least one bin provided."

The family confirmed that they would be going to back to Chester Zoo following the Government's dramatic U-turn, which will see the zoo re-open only days after being told they must remain shut for the foreseeable future to Covid-19.

Miss Clarke added: "We are thrilled to hear the latest announcement that the Government is letting them open their gates again to visitors.

"Josie cannot wait to go and see all the animals she's worked hard to save; I think it'll be extra special to know she helped them at their biggest time of need."

Chester Zoo announced yesterday that they wiFll be able to open safely from Monday (15 June).

A spokesperson for Chester Zoo, posted on social media: "A week ago we were in despair, not knowing when we would reopen, or if we could survive much longer… But your voices have been heard!

"Your support has been incredible. Every kind donation, every word of support. It really is making a HUGE difference.

"The fight isn't over for us just yet. But for now, we want to celebrate this huge moment of relief with you.

"There's no denying that we have suffered severe financial damage over the past three months and the road to recovery will be long and uncertain. But, your incredibly kind donations, animal adoptions and memberships are giving us a vital lifeline.

"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. You are SAVING OUR ZOO."

You can donate to 'Josies sponsored litter picking for Chester Zoo' here.