A YOUNG schoolgirl experienced some animal magic after landing a dream work experience spell at a zoo.

Nine-year-old Lolly Nice wrote that she “would do anything to work with animals” in a letter asking for work experience at Chessington Zoo.

The hand-written letter ended: “P.S. You will regret it if you say no – I will work harder than anyone.”

To the surprise of her family, a senior member of staff at the zoo wrote back and invited the Bramley schoolgirl to spend a day working with the animals.

Lolly, of Strawberry Fields, met rhinos, lions, sealions and zebras during her memorable time at the zoo, in Surrey.

The Bramley Church of England Primary School pupil said: “It was really fun. The best bit was meeting the goats. I mucked them out and took them for a walk.”

Marc Boardman, zoo manager at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, said: “Having Lolly lend a hand for the day was fantastic – she was a great addition to the team, and it was a pleasure having her on board.

“Whilst we unfortunately cannot offer everyone the chance to be part of our zoo team, it’s great to see young people with a passion for nature and work, and Lolly’s letter was so heartfelt and so sincere that we just had to meet her.”

Lolly’s mum Jan said Lolly came up with the idea to write letters to several zoos herself. Her daughter wrote the letters and found addresses on the internet.

Mrs Nice, 49, said: “I had to give her a bit of a reality check when she did not receive a reply for a few weeks. Then one day she came screaming through the house saying she had got in to Chessington.

“I did not see the letter until we got to Chessington. It was the P.S. that clinched it. It was just Lolly through and through – that’s her character.”

Mrs Nice said her daughter had “an absolute ball” at the zoo and was treated like a VIP.