A RUNCORN schoolgirl certainly didn't have to paws for thought when she was giving the chance to ride Xolo the Dog during The Giants parade.

Halton Lodge Primary pupil Sophie Flaherty jumped at the opportunity after being picked out of the crowd during a family visit.

The five-year-old was left beaming from ear to ear after she joined the procession.

Her mum Siân Hammond said: "We couldn't believe it when a member of staff came over and asked her.

"She obviously said yes.

"She was beaming all day and was over the moon."

More than a million people turned out to bid farewell to Liverpool's favourite street puppet show, The Giants.

The event, called Liverpool's Dream, involved a giant man figure, a boy and Xolo moving through the streets over four days.

It was The Giants' third, and final, visit to Liverpool with French arts company Royal de Luxe.