A BROTHER and sister have set about raising money to help save Chester Zoo after hearing that it was at danger of closing due to coronavirus.

More than £1 million has been raised for Chester Zoo after it revealed it was fighting for its future due to an indefinite closure.

Bosses launched the Save Our Zoo campaign on Wednesday and revealed the attraction was “at risk of extinction” and could end the year £24 million in debt as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

But much more is also needed to help save the zoo.

Two children determined to help are nine-year-old Lucas Gill and his six-year-old sister Megan Gill from Sutton who have enlisted the help of Toy Store Smyths to raise money for Chester Zoo.

St Helens Star:

Jade, Megan and Lucas

Their proud mum Jade, 28, said: "We've only recently moved to St Helens from Northampton and when we did we bought the kids tickets for Chester Zoo but then coronavirus happened and we've heard the news it's in trouble.

"Lucas decided to do something and came up with the idea of having an animal teddy and getting people to donate and suggest a name for the teddy and they can win the teddy if they are selected.

"I thought it was a great idea and helped him write an email to Smyth's who decided to gift us a huge teddy bear to help.

"We've set up a donation page where people can go online, suggest a name and donate £5 all of which will go to Chester Zoo and we'll pick a name in a few weeks and select a winner.

"I just think its a lovely idea and both of them are really excited to be doing something to help save the zoo, they've never even been there yet but they are excited to."

To donate and suggest a name go to bit.ly/2XyX7vc