A rescued elephant helped Buddhist monks to collect donations in Surin, northeastern Thailand.

The adorable jumbo, named Buaban, joined his mahout as they walked though villages where locals give 'alms', a type of food donation for the local temple.

Buaban picked up the snacks in her trunk then placed them in the bowls. The elephant then curtsies to pay respect to the monks, who in turn blessed the animal during the ritual on May 25.

Mahout Waranyu Mueanrat said that Buaban was rescued when she was younger after being separated from her herd.

He said: "Buaban loves giving alms to the monk so we bring her here every morning to help. She's a true Buddhist elephant.''

Buaban then walked back to her camp - but not without stopping periodically along the way to munch on leaves from homes.