AN 'elephant' was the surprise guest to open Haslingden Primary School's summer fete.

Lawrence Edward Fant, known to his friends as L E Fant, also doubles as sir during the week at the largest primary school in Rossendale alias teacher Peter Toogood.

Treasurer of the PTA Ann Beeken said: "Many of the children didn't know who was in the disguise so I just kept telling them it was Mr L E Fant!

"It was a very good event and we must have had 600 people there and we raised £1,700."

Pupils and parents took part in a number of activities at the event, which included a 'Play Your Cards Right' competition.

Lucky eight-year-old Hannah Johnson was the winner and scooped a free pass for Ski Rossendale.

And special thanks went to PTA committee members Lynn Hughes who went from business to business and back again persuading shops, hotels and companies to sponsor the event with gifts and prizes.

For the last year Christine Sands, parent and employee of Barclays Bank, ran the raffle and the bank will be matching the sum raised.