CORONATION Street star Ryan Thomas took time out from the cobbles to get up close and personal with a rhino at Chester Zoo.

Fortunately for Ryan, who was joined by his soap star brother Adam, the rhino was Splodge, one of the many Rhino Mania rhinos set to stampede through the city this summer.

Ryan – Jason Grimshaw in the soap – and Adam, who plays Adam Barton in Emmerdale, gave their backing to the Rhino Mania project.

From July 5, the Rhino Mania event will showcase up to 70 5ft high rhinos along the streets of Chester for ten weeks from July, highlighting the artistic talents and cultural gems of the area.

The trail will go throughout the city.