A MAN credits his love of rescuing raccoons with saving his life after he suffered from a breakdown.

Iain Jenkins began rescuing the animals as "a reason to get up in the morning" while battling mental health problems.

The 52-year-old, of Hartlepool, collapsed at work from stress and exhaustion but now runs Raccoon Rescue UK from his home and says the animals have turned his life around.

Mr Jenkins, who grew up surrounded by animals in Cyprus, said: "I had major depression, a major breakdown and it was a case of, what do I do?

"I realised the answer was animals. It was a way of forcing me to get up in the morning.

"I was really surprised when it happened to me, it came as a shock, mental health does not care how intelligent or capable you are.

"But keeping animals kept my mind more active, it has been a really big help. They saved my life.

"It brings down your stress levels and helps with anxiety."

The Northern Echo:

Two of the rescued raccoons

The animal lover started looking after raccoons around six years ago when a friend asked him if he would take one in as it faced being put down if it was unable to find a home.

After falling in love with the homeless raccoon, he decided to open the sanctuary when new legislation was published banning the release of the invasive creature into the wild in this country.

He added: "They are beautiful, fascinating and intelligent creatures.

"They are comparable to a two-year-old toddler, you're constantly thinking of new ways to keep them interested.

"They have helped me as much as I have helped them, it has come full circle nicely.

"If I hadn't rescued these particular animals they would have been put down, it gives you a bit more satisfaction, they're all here permanently, they won't be going anywhere else.

"Having to look after them every day, knowing they need me, thinking about them, really helped me turn my life around."

He now has five raccoons and one coati, all kept in a large enclosure in his back garden. Their favourite foods are boiled eggs, bananas and avocados.

Mr Jenkins, who has worked as a zoological consultant and children's social worker, said: "Raccoons and coatis look very cute and cuddly and they can be incredibly affectionate but they are far from being suitable pets.

"They are powerful animals with strong teeth and claws they are willing to use if attacked or frightened.

"We spend many hours slowly working on behavioural issues but we adapt to the needs and preferences of the raccoons."