A FERRET caused a furore in a North-East care home after escaping from his owner.

The male ferret, now nicknamed Bobby, was seen scurrying from room to room by residents who took a shine to the four-legged guest despite him making mayhem before being caught by care home staff.

RSPCA inspectors responded to a call from the home on Acklam Road in Thornaby, near Stockton, on Friday, July 7, while Bobby was temporarily housed in an old rabbit hutch in care home's garden.

He was taken in by the RSPCA after residents reluctantly realised he could not be kept at the home and Bobby’s owners are now being sought.

RSPCA Inspector Krissy Raine said: “When I arrived at the care home, Bobby had stolen the residents’ hearts.

“Until they caught him, he had been running around from room to room being really friendly with everybody.

“They really wanted to keep him, but knew that he needed to return to his own home.

“Bobby is such a wonderful character. He is very comfortable with people and I imagine he comes from a loving home as he is in very good condition and has clearly been very well looked-after.”

The cheeky chap is being fostered in a private address until his owners can be found.

Inspector Raine added: “Someone out there must be missing this cheeky chappie and we’re hoping that when people hear this story it will ring a bell with them.

“If you recognise Bobby please call the RSPCA Appeal Line on 0300 123 8018 and leave me a message.”