Merlin the meerkat would normally be found standing sentry on the dry plains of southern Africa.

Instead he is living in a ordinary home in Rushden, Northamptonshire.

Meerkats usually live in gangs of 25, but this meerkat's family are his owners Matt Rowthorn and Sue Lambell.

The meerkat tries out a banana

Merlin is fed a staple diet of small rodents, insects and grubs.

Mr Rowthorn said they did a lot of research into meerkats before taking on one as a pet.

He said many meerkats can be a bit of a handful to keep.

"We know a number of other people who keep meerkats and he (Merlin) is probably the tamest one in the UK.

"His sister is alright with her keepers, but will attack anyone else on sight."

Ms Lambell said: "We are not sure whether he thinks he is a small person or he thinks we are big meerkats."