TWO budding football stars from Worcester tested their skills when they met Latabe the African elephant.

But the elephant, who is famed for her football exploits, met her match in the youngsters from Warndon Villages Football Club.

West Midland Safari Park is supporting the club by providing kit for two of the junior teams – the Rhinos (under-nines) and Tigers (under-11s).

Latabe’s skills were discovered last year when she started kicking a ball during playtime.

A spokesman for West Midland Safari Park said: “We are delighted to have been able to help the club and wish them a very successful season.”

Jack Davies, aged nine, representing the Tigers, and eight-year-old Alex Maund, from the Rhinos, are pictured showing off their kit to Latabe.

West Midland Safari Park closes for winter on Friday, 6th November 2009. Wild Winter Weekends start on Sunday, 8th November 2009 and the Park continues to open every weekend until 7th February 2010. The Park is open daily between 1st-24th December. Further information on special events – Bonfire Bonanza, 7th November and Santa Safari – is available from the Park’s official website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114.