A MAN who stepped into the path of a charging elephant to save the lives of his wife and two friends is to receive a top award.
Steven Street's life hung by a thread after he was charged three times, trampled and butted by the enraged animal.
The keen amateur wildlife photographer from Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, was on safari holiday with his wife Margaret in Botswana, last year, when the three-ton elephant charged.
It made for Mrs Street and another couple, who had unknowingly been walking on the other side of trees from a group of elephants and calves.
The bull elephant was eventually shot by the group's guide - but collapsed on to Mr Street.
Cleveland Chief Constable Barry Shaw and family priest the Reverend Andrew Leighton recommended Mr Street for the Order of St John's Silver Cross.
The Rev Leighton said: "This was a man who stood between his wife, friends and a charging elephant. If ever a man deserved to get an award, he did.'
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