AFTER 18 months leading Big Game safaris through the wilds of Africa, Sonja Elliot is returning home to a more sedate occupation.

The 20-year-old has taken up a post with English Heritage as a seasonal custodian at Richmond Castle, in North Yorkshire.

After coping with some of the world's most exotic wildlife, Sonja is confident she can deal with hordes of warring Saxons and Normans.

The 900-year-old castle is gearing up for the tourist seawith longer opening hours - from 10am to 6pm daily - and launches the region's special events programme on Easter Sunday and Monday with a re-enactment of a clash of arms between Saxons and Normans.

Managing her new job should prove no problem for Sonja, who graduated from routine youth hostel duties in South Africa during a back-packing tour, to taking nature lovers on the ultimate wildlife adventures.

She said: "I've always had a great love for history and visited Richmond Castle when I was a child. It's a big thrill to be actually working here, and a complete contrast to my African adventure."