Tiny baby otter orphaned by the floods found crying on a family's doorstep

A baby otter was found crying on a family's doorstep after being separated from its mother during Storm Desmond.

Animal rescue workers believe the tiny creature may have been washed out of its holt by the floods sparked by heavy rain.

Baby otters tend not to be very strong swimmers, and he could have died if nobody had heard his cries.

Much of northern England and parts of Scotland have been hit by devastating floods, with homes and businesses left underwater - and charities say wildlife is also suffering.

The cub has been named Buddy by Scottish SPCA staff at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said it was their busiest year for stray otters on record, with 15 others now in their care.

Buddy will now be introduced to three other cubs - named Ebb, Tide, and Wave - who were also left orphaned by the floods.

"They will stay with us for around a year until they are old enough to fend for themselves back in the wild," he said.

He urged anyone who sees or hears any animals in distress to call animal charities as soon as possible.

The Scottish SPCA animal helpline number is 0300 0999 999.

The RSPCA can be contacted on 0300 1234 999.