Comedian Richard Herring mucked in at Colchester Zoo - all in the name of research.

In preparation for his Edinburgh Fringe Festival show, he cleaned out the elephant enclosure, in an attempt to replicate Hercules' task of cleaning out the Augean stables.

With the zoo's growing herd of African elephants now including youngsters Kito and Jambo, he had his work cut out.

The Twelve Tasks of Hercules Terrace sees the comedian going through a mid-life crisis.

He resolves to take inspiration from Hercules and perform 12 impossible or arduous labours.

Published Wednesday July 21, 2004

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