A FORMER Knowsley Safari Park worker has shared some nostalgic photographs from a bygone era at the Prescot attraction with the Star.

Alan Cain, who is now 60, worked at the safari park from 1971, when it opened, until 1980.

These atmospheric photos, taken in the early 1970s, depict Alan, who started in the job when he was just 16, with some of the elephants he cared for.

Working mainly with the venue's herd of elephants, Alan remembers his time at Knowsley Safari Park fondly.

"When I was 16, I started from school, the year it opened," said Alan, who lives in Prescot.

"I ended up working with the elephants. I was part of their family and they were mine really. All the time I was there, I thoroughly enjoyed it," he added.

Alan's memories include one Christmas when Prescot Police attended the park and one of the elephants was dressed to pull a sledge like one of Santa's reindeers.

Alan also spent time working with lion cubs in his nine years at the safari park.

Do you remember Alan and his elephants at the safari park? Share your nostalgic photographs with the Star by emailing news@sthelensstar.co.uk or tweeting @sthelensstar or posting on our Facebook page.