IT was a double celebration for animal aid worker Katherine Connor last week.

Not only was she able to save an elephant from the jungles of northern Thailand from ending his days begging on the streets, but she was also awarded a prize at the House of Lords for her aid work.

Miss Connor, 24, has been involved in helping elephants in Thailand for the past two years after she came across Babar, an injured baby elephant.

Despite being unable to save Babar's life, Miss Connor, of Fullers Road, South Woodford, has thrown herself into raising £150,000 for an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, a country in danger losing its elephant population.

And on one of her many trips to Thailand she came across Seedor Yai, or Mr Big, whose owner, falling on hard times, was being forced to sell him to help support his family. But after an anonymous donation of £4,000 last week Mr Big will be staying where he is.

An ecstatic Miss Connor said: "His future has been secured, which is wonderful news."

And to commend all her good work for the elephants Miss Connor was at Westminster last Thursday receiving the Animal Welfare Commitment Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Miss Connor said: "I was completely overwhelmed. It was fantastic day as it was nice to be around people who share the same passion to care for animals."

UK Director of the IFAW Phyllis Campbell-Mcrae said: "Katherine is an inspiration. She has done incredible work to help animals. The winners have all dedicated their lives to stop animal suffering and are an example to us all."

And for Miss Connor the work goes on. She said: "I'm still missing £1000s for the sanctuary, I'm looking at raising £150,000 and at the moment I've got £10,000. I've just registered as a charity and that should encourage people to give more money, but I would like to thank all the people who have donated."

Miss Connor will be travelling to Thailand in August and November to carry on with her charity work.

If you would like to find out more about Boon Lott's Animal Sanctuary you can visit www.blessele.com or send donations to Katherine Connor, 45 Fullers Road, South Woodford, E18 2QB.