ROCKY, a ginger tomcat, has astonished vets after it survived being thrown 100ft down a cliff.

The cat was found wedged between rocks on the edge of the North Sea when its cries were heard by walkers near Ryhope, Sunderland.

It was taken to a vet, where it was found to have a broken leg and pelvis.

RSPCA Officer Dave Dawson, who tooked part in the rescue, said: "It was only good luck that this poor cat was discovered.

"Whoever threw that animal off the cliff intended it to die but the cat survived the fall and lay in agony for hours before he was found and taken to safety.

"I cannot understand why somebody would do something as cruel and heartless as this."

Now Alison Preston, of Durham, is to give Rocky a home.

She said: "He has had two escapes rolled into one. It is amazing he survived the fall, then he only just missed being washed away.

"I am looking forward to bringing him home so that he can enjoy some of the affection he has obviously been missing.

"I cannot understand how anyone could be so cruel and callous to a defenceless animal. It defies belief."

Staff at Blythman's vets in Gosforth, Newcastle, said Rocky would heal quickly.