Sporty name for Chester Zoo

Steve Parry and James Hickman feed the penguins

Chester Zoo is celebrating the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games with a topical name change.

It will be known as the Commonwealth Zoo throughout the summer season, in honour of the XVII Games being held in nearby Manchester from 25 July to 4 August.

It was officially renamed on Thursday by North West swimmers James Hickman and Steve Parry, who are both hoping for gold next month.

The ceremony coincides with the return to the UK of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Baton for the final 50 day run-up to the Games.

James Hickman will be going for gold in Manchester

The new name will be matched by a new logo showing three elephants with their trunks in the air - a reflection of the three figures in the official Commonwealth Games design.

Children will be given "Commonwealth Passports" to stamp showing animals from Commonwealth countries.

Mr Hickman, from Stockport, and Mr Parry, from Liverpool, dressed up as zookeepers and fed the penguins to mark the new image.

The pair are friendly rivals for the gold medal in the 200m butterfly event.

John Regan, development manager of Chester Zoo, said the venue was "delighted" to support the Games.

"This is a major celebration in our home in the North West and we are keen to play as full a part as possible.

"In addition, our collection of exotic animals is one of the largest in Europe and mirrors the variety of animals native to the Commonwealth family of nations."

The Golden Jubilee Baton is returning to the UK from its tour of Commonwealth countries on Thursday.

It will arrive in Northern Ireland for the final leg.