BUSINESSMAN Mike Goldman has shelled out £600 to have two giant Galapagos tortoises named after his daughters.

And the Francis House Children's Hospice in Manchester has also benefited after Mike made his winning bid for the right to name Britain's newest and most unique animal imports at an auction in aid of the hospice.

The creatures are among the newest recruits at Chester Zoo, the only zoo in the UK to have the giant Galapagos tortoises which are among the oldest living species on the planet, lasting up to 200 years. They weigh up to 32 stone and when fully grown are the size of a dinner table.

Mr Goldman, who runs a mortgage advice firm in Bury Old Road, Whitefield, explained: "When I heard about the chance to bid for such a unique prize, I was determined to get it.

"The fact that I was able to support Francis House at the same time made it even better. I've been looking forward to seeing the tortoises ever since the auction."

Mr Goldman (30), finally came face to face with the tortoises which he has named Olivia and Lily after his daughters aged four and eight months respectively on a tour of Chester Zoo. Kevin Buley, the zoo's curator of lower vertebrates and invertebrates, said: "We were delighted to help such a worthwhile cause as Francis House and to provide the opportunity to name two of the Galapagos tortoises which, all being well, should still be stomping around the zoo in 150 years time. The auction raised £11,000 for Francis House.