A moose is on the loose in the UK for the first time in 3,000 years.

Wildwood in Herne Common has welcomed the first of these impressive beasts, with another to follow any day.

Moose is the north American term for what are actually elk. They can grow to a height of eight feet, or 2.5 metres, and weigh in excess of three-quarters of a tonne.

It is hoped romance will blossom between Wildwood’s latest two charges, with chief executive Peter Smith admitting: “We hope one day to create the space for Britain to once again have elk in the wild.”

For more information visit www.wildwoodtrust.org