A mammoth task for Victoria as she zips lips at The Mechanical Elephant

Pub manager Victoria spent an entire day without talking to help to raise charity funds as The Mechanical Elephant (Margate) celebrated its 24th birthday.

Staff issued the challenge to Victoria, with some doubting that she could do it – but Victoria proved them wrong as the money poured in for Young Lives vs Cancer.

“It was difficult, at times, because of the demands of being a pub manager, but I kept telling myself about the importance of the charity,” said Victoria, who has worked at the pub since December 2018, when she joined as a bar associate.

But the longest-serving staff member is cleaner Maria, who has been keeping the place ship-shape since the pub opened.

In more pub birthday fundraising, team leader Harry had his head shaved – and kitchen manager Alfie agreed to have wet sponges thrown at him.

More than £550 was raised during the day as staff and customers gathered amid balloons and bunting.

The pub had a colouring table and books for children, with elephant and birthday-themed pages.

Shift manager Emma, who organised the event, said: “It was a lot of fun, and we are grateful to everyone who took part and helped with fundraising.”