A PLUCKY schoolgirl is set to take on a summer run — dressed as an elephant.

Donning the eye-catching outfit, complete with a trunk, will be Prestwich youngster Lucy Moore, who has her sights set on completing a 5km course at Heaton Park on Saturday.

The 12-year-old chose the attire to raise awareness of her chosen charity, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), which helps elephants and other wild animals in Africa.

Lucy volunteered to take part in the Enormous Elephant Run event after her mother Helen had to pull out when she suffered a knee injury.

Animal lover Lucy said: "I am really looking forward to the run, especially as it is in an elephant costume.

"I love animals, and we have two rescue dogs, Mike and Maggie, but I did not know a lot about elephants until I volunteered for this.

"Since then, I have read the DSWT website and have learned about how much danger elephants are in from poachers, and about how DWST rescues baby elephants which have been orphaned and keeps them safe until they can live back in the wild."

The Parrenthorn High School pupil added: "It is a really good cause and I am hoping to get lots of sponsors and raise money for the charity.

"I am now thinking of adopting an elephant and I would love to go to Africa one day to visit them."

This is the first year the Enormous Elephant Run has been held in Manchester.

Last month's event on Clapham Common attracted around 300 runners, who raised £52,000.

Rob Brandford, UK Director of the DSWT, explained: "Today, Africa's elephants need our help more than ever before.

"Across Africa, one elephant is killed every 15 minutes for their tusks to fuel an increasing demand for ivory.

"The trust relies completely on donations and fundraising to protect wildlife and habitats in Kenya.

"The run is our chance to make a difference for elephants and protect them for future generations."

DWST fundraising officer Amie Alden said: "We are ever so proud of Lucy for going the extra mile as part of our run.

"Poaching, at its current rate, could see elephants disappear from the wild by 2025.

"With Lucy's help and the support of local residents, we can do more to protect elephants."

Entry costs £32 including an elephant suit or £18 without a suit. The meeting point is at the park's farm centre, and the event starts at 10am.

To find out more about Saturday's event: visit runforelephants.com or visit sheldrickwildlifetrust.org to donate to the charity Lucy is supporting.