The Star and BBC compete in elephant paint-off in Sheffield

Big crowds packed their trunks for The Star's family fun day '“ and watched our reporter take on the BBC in a live elephant paint off.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Aug 2016, 14:05 BST
Updated 12th Aug 2016, 15:14 BST
Andy Kershaw, of BBC RAdio Sheffield and Dan Hobson, Star reporter, pictured with their finished Elephants. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 9Andy Kershaw, of BBC RAdio Sheffield and Dan Hobson, Star reporter, pictured with their finished Elephants. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 9
Andy Kershaw, of BBC RAdio Sheffield and Dan Hobson, Star reporter, pictured with their finished Elephants. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 9

Families gathered on a sunny Devonshire Green, city centre, for the event today, which was raising money for the Children’s Hospital as part of its summertime elephant Herd.

Attendees got the chance to meet Star editor Nancy Fielder and have our snapper take their picture in front of The Star’s elephant.

Maisie Benson, six, of Sheffield, pictured with Nancy Fielder, Star Editor, at Devonshire Green. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 3Maisie Benson, six, of Sheffield, pictured with Nancy Fielder, Star Editor, at Devonshire Green. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 3
Maisie Benson, six, of Sheffield, pictured with Nancy Fielder, Star Editor, at Devonshire Green. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 3
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Star reporter Dan Hobson went head-to-head with BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Andy Kershaw in an elephant paint-off.

Young and old alike cast their votes live on BBC Radio Sheffield, resulting in a nine all draw.

Reporters were guided by Ali Ritley, of the Art House Sheffield, Backfields, who provided paint for the challenge.

Both the elephants will now be displayed outside the Art House.

John Breakell, pictured with daughters Amelia, three and Lexi, two, by the Star's Elephant, 'Eli'. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 5John Breakell, pictured with daughters Amelia, three and Lexi, two, by the Star's Elephant, 'Eli'. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 5
John Breakell, pictured with daughters Amelia, three and Lexi, two, by the Star's Elephant, 'Eli'. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 5

Jumbo sized fun was had by all at the event.

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Kirstie Benson, aged 41, who reads The Star every day, said: “We found out about the fun day online and we did not want to miss out.

“Sheffield Children’s Hospital does such a good job, I think everybody has a soft spot for them. Because I’m a mum, it makes it more maternal.”

Her daughter Maisie Benson, six, added: “It’s good because there’s lots to do, I’m excited to see all the elephants and do the trail.

Annalise Moon, seven, of Sheffield, pictured with Sheffield Star stff members by their Elephant. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 8Annalise Moon, seven, of Sheffield, pictured with Sheffield Star stff members by their Elephant. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 8
Annalise Moon, seven, of Sheffield, pictured with Sheffield Star stff members by their Elephant. Picture: Marie Caley NSST Star Elephant MC 8

“We’re going to print off all the elephant photos with me next to them and then put them into a scrap book.”

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Ian Parkin, 60, said: “It’s been a marvellous day out. It brings the family out and it’s a for a fantastic cause.”

John Brakell, 37, said: “I saw the fun day advertised in the paper and came down. It is a great family day out.

“My two daughters have been looking at the elephants. I’m surprised at how many people have been elephant hunting, my girlfriend and I didn’t realise how popular it would be.”

Herd Fun Day - Gracie, 5, Charlie, 3 and Alisha, 8 Buxton from BirleyHerd Fun Day - Gracie, 5, Charlie, 3 and Alisha, 8 Buxton from Birley
Herd Fun Day - Gracie, 5, Charlie, 3 and Alisha, 8 Buxton from Birley

And Margarat Holder, 67, said: “I brought my grandchildren as its something to do in the holidays and it’s something worth supporting.”

Anyone who entered the raffle will be notified by telephone on Monday.

Related topics:BBCSheffield