Living Coasts is home to nearly 100 penguins

Torquay's Living Coasts is looking for someone to become the zoo's penguin mascot, Pat, during the summer season.

The job is part time and the successful candidate will need a number of qualities including an outgoing personality, a cheerful demeanour.

Sarah Vickers from the zoo said: "It's the perfect summer job."

Competition judge

She said: "You get to walk around Torquay harbour, Fleet Walk and Princess Gardens, meet people and enjoy yourself."

Living Coasts is home to nearly 100 penguins, including African, gentoo and the striking macaroni penguins with their golden plumes.

Pat the Penguin will be required to make regular appearances in and around Torquay.

He will also attend the grand re-opening week of the Trago Mills out-of-town shopping centre near Newton Abbot on 9 July.

And on 20 August he will be asked to help judge the sand sculpture competition being held jointly by Rowcroft Hospice and Torbay Council on Torre Abbey Sands.

Would-be penguins should apply in writing to Living Coasts.