RESIDENTS asked to pick their favourite animal in a community vote ended up being split with their choice.

Half picked a jaguar whilst 50 per cent selected a tiger.

Winsford Town Council has decided to adopt both animals at Chester Zoo as it faces a cash crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The competition was the first activity to be launched on the council's new online community engagement platform, Involve Winsford.

The £90 gold adoption package includes two admission tickets and various other items such as a Chester Zoo quarterly magazine, car sticker, tote bag, folder and pen which members plan to offer as prizes.

Northwich Guardian:

A tiger will be adopted by Winsford Town Council following a community vote Picture: Danielle Hough

Councillors invited residents to select which animal they would prefer from 45 available for adoption and the names of everyone were entered into a free draw.

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Winsford mayor Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones said: "Following a vote from the residents of Winsford, the result was a tie between adopting a tiger and a jaguar. "Therefore rather than disappointing anyone we have decided to adopt both of them.

"We would like to thank those residents who took part and we will keep everyone updated on how our animals are doing. We are also very pleased to be helping, even in a small way, Chester Zoo during this difficult time."

Winners of the draw will be notified by the council.