Venturing into the outside world for the first time last Friday, Chester Zoo's four-day-old elephant calf has already proved a hit with the crowds.

Hundreds of people craned their necks and joined crowds 10-deep around the paddock as the young Asian elephant made his public debut.

Despite his tender age, the male, who has yet to be named, already weighs 110 kilogrammes.

He was born to mother Sithami, 13, and father Upali, 16.

Zoo spokesman Rachel Ashton said: "Today was his first run out into the paddock so there was a great deal of excitement among the staff and visitors."

The calf spent some time enjoying the sunshine and public attention before it began to rain and he headed back into the elephant house for a well-earned nap, Ms Ashton said.