A head keeper at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park near Ashford has been presented with a sculpture to mark 25 years dedication to the park.

Neville Buck said: "I started here in 1986 and since then have seen many changes to the park. I was chuffed to bits to be given this fantastic sculpture depicting a Scottish wildcat chasing a rabbit - wild cats are very close to my heart and the park has given me some incredible experiences with them. Every day brings something special and I'm looking forward to the next 25 years."

The sculpture created by the artist David Mayer was presented to Neville by Managing Director Bob O'Connor.

Neville with a red-panda  Photo: Wayne McCabe

Bob said: "We are very lucky to have such a loyal and dedicated member of staff. Neville is the Section Manager for small cats at Port Lympne and he also holds the stud book for Scottish wild cats and the international stud book for bush dogs. To have someone with such knowledge in his field is wonderful for the park."

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012 ©