Biddulph anglers spotted more than just fish when out last night (Monday), when to their surprise a raccoon appeared at one of Knypersley's open cast ponds.

The fishermen were even quick enough to catch the little creature on video, and the animal can be seen washing itself in the water in the amazing footage above.

The footage was captured by local 16-year-old angler Louis Windle.

Louis' mother, Debs Windle, said she called the RSPCA on her son's behalf after the raccoon was spotted, but was told that there was nothing the animal charity could do.

She said: "We called the RSPCA but they said they couldn't come out to catch it as they were a charity and it wasn't hurt."

She also told Biddulph Nub News: "My son is a lovely lad, he is an active fisherman at the open cast pond, and the raccoon came out at about 7pm last night.

"I contacted the RSPCA on his behalf but I was so disappointed that they didn't think it was important, as he's a lovely little fella.

"I hope this story becomes big as some people are talking about having a raccoon hat! We only want the best for the little fella."

Raccoons are nocturnal mammals native to southern Canada, most of the United States, Central America and northern parts of South America, but not native to the UK.

There are strict restrictions on keeping them as pets in the UK and they can no longer be legally bred or sold. Anyone who already owned a raccoon before the regulations were introduced in August 2016 is allowed to keep them.

Biddulph Nub News has contacted the RSPCA for comment.