STREET artists Catherine McMahon and Philip Battle will be quick on the draw when it comes to raising money for Chester Zoo's Asian Elephant appeal.

Catherine and Philip - who work under the name Urban Canvas - will be chalking up a first when they help to raise money for Chester Zoo's Asian Elephant appeal.

The Liverpool-based duo - both zoo members - are asking zoo visitors to join them and create works of art on the ground surrounding the elephant enclosure.

The event will take place on Wednesday, July 28 from 11.30am to 3.30pm.

Visitors of all ages can take part in the pavement artistry to draw a large animal and all money raised through bucket rattling will go towards the £1.5 million appeal.

Money raised through the appeal will be used to revitalise Chester's existing elephant centre, following an Assamese forest theme.

Asian elephants in the wild will also be helped through outreach conservation projects.

The number of Asian elephants in the wild has fallen to between 35,000 to 50,000 with urban populations and agriculture encroaching upon elephant habitat.

Chester Zoo has already played a leading role in helping Asian elephants in the wild, funding a workshop in Cambodia to begin developing an Asian Elephant action plan.

Peter Upton, the appeal manager, said: "This has to be one of the most creative ways of raising funds yet and we are grateful to Catherine and Philip for all they are doing.

"The good part about this is that not only are people helping raise funds for a worthwhile cause but they can also have lots of fun at the same time."