AN EX-PAT known as Crocodile Joe is hoping to continue Australian environmentalist Steve Irwin's mission to educate the world about the reptiles.

Joe McQuaid sold his house and business in Rossendale and emigrated to Australia in December 2005 to follow his dream of crocodile conservation.

The dad-of-two now lives in Cairns, Queensland, where he has been working hard to set up Crocodile Joe's, a not-for-profit organisation to teach people about the mighty reptiles, and how to be safe around them. Now he is set to work on a television documentary about crocodile conservation with Steve Irwin's widow Terri.

Joe, 38, is currently in the UK to see his family - daughter Jodie, 21, and 13-year-old son Joe, who lives with his mum in Ramsbottom, where Joe used to live, and where he ran the town's first gym, Apollo's in Square Street for 10 years.

He said: "I want to raise awareness, and also sponsorship, to be able to tour schools, hospitals and shopping malls in Australia, teaching about crocodiles.

"Many people are scared of them, and I want to help them lose this fear, and respect and admire them for the fantastic creatures they are.

"I don't fear anything, but I do have huge respect, and I'd like that to be part of the message to people too, to be respectful and kind in life."

Joe's childhood fascination with crocodiles grew into a committed passion when he visted Australia 12 years ago. He returned almost every year, and decided to emigrate after falling in love with the country.

His extensive self-taught knowl-edge and dedication caught the attention of Queensland's leading crocodile expert Dr Mark Reid, who worked with Steve Irwin before he was killed by a stingray last September, filming an underwater documentary in Queensland.

Known as "Crocodile Hunter" after his TV show, Irwin was globally known for his work with native Australian wildlife. Joe said: "I'd been speaking to Dr Reid and it was suggested that me and Steve Irwin make a documentary about crocodile conservation."

Joe now hopes to make a documentary with Irwin's widow Terri.

He said: "Steve's message was all about co-existing with Australia's amazing animals, respecting and protecting them. I want to carry on that message - it would be a waste of a great man's life if nobody else was to carry the education on."

Joe has secured sponsorship from Regatta clothing for his tour, but is working to promote the project as much as possible - his friend Dan Page, from Stubbins Lane, Ramsbottom, is currently designing Crocodile Joe T-shirts for it.

Joe added: "This has been my dream for years, I'm delighted it's finally starting to happen."

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