'Without animals I don't know where I would be'

Wayne Eckersley said he had always loved animals

An RAF veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder has told how looking after rescued farm animals had helped him cope.

Wayne Eckersley created Eckson Sanctuary CIC with his partner Kenny Atkinson to help others facing mental health issues.

The sanctuary is preparing to move about 150 animals from its current base in Sharnbrook, near Bedford, to Luton.

He said having about 35 people volunteer to clear and start preparing the new site on Saturday had left him overwhelmed.

Kenny Atkinson works alongside his partner of six years, Wayne Eckersley

The couple have a large number of alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep, birds, rabbits, turkeys and chickens that have come from other farms or from people who are no longer able to look after them.

"I've always loved animals," Mr Eckersley said.

"I personally went through a very bad episode of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, and if it wasn't for these animals I don't know where I would be now.

"They give and show you so much love, care and affection. That's what we want to pass on to others."

Mr Eckersley said the logistics involved in moving the animals were "massive" but he had been left "overwhelmed from the response, kindness and everything we've been shown".

The menagerie of animals will be moved at a later date

When the move goes ahead in about three months, he said more volunteers would be needed to complete "the very rewarding work".

He hopes to continue to be able to help military veterans and people with special educational needs.

People's minds might be in "chaos, confusion and anxiety", but when they're with the animals "they're like a different human being", he added.

A lot of the sanctuary's animals are older and farm animals that are no longer needed