A KITTEN had a close shave after getting stuck in the wall of a County Durham home for three days.

The 12-week-old got stuck in the insulation cavity of the house in Witton Gilbert, near Durham City.

The RSPCA were called after the woman who lives at the house heard a faint mewing noise.

RSPCA Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Rowena Proctor and firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Services took two and a half hours to free the animal, which was wearing a pink collar.

She said: “She was lucky to make it out at all. After smashing into the wall, we still couldn’t see or reach the kitten so we decided to leave some food for her, hoping this would coax her out in time.

“Then I saw there was a loose brick which had been knocked out. Firefighters pulled it out and I reached inside to feel this fluffy little kitten round the corner.”

ACO Proctor managed to pull the kitten out and bring her to safety.

She added: "She was covered in dust and mess, she looked such a sight. Amazingly, she wasn’t injured, just very hungry.”

A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Although this is quite an unusual incident for us to be involved with, we were very happy to assist in rescuing the kitten and had the necessary equipment to do so. We hope her owners are traced very soon.”

The owner is asked to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018, and leave a message for ACO Proctor.

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