A RESTAURATEUR is hoping a black cat and five kittens found in the loft of his new premises will prove to be a lucky omen.

RSPCA inspectors coaxed the tiny animals from the roof space after staff heard scratching noises from upstairs.

"We're delighted they are okay," said Gary Gibson, the owner of Red Tomato, in Grange Road, Darlington.

"We are refurbishing the place and I was here late one night when a black cat wandered in to the room.

"I tried to follow it to see where it went but it disappeared."

One of the decorators working on the revamp of the former Harvey's bistro then heard noises from the attic, and animal welfare officers were called into investigate.

An adult female cat was found and taken for a check up, but the vet noticed she was milking and sent the RSPCA back to look for the kittens.

"It looks like they're going to be fine," said RSPCA inspector John Lawson.

New homes are needed for the two-week-old kittens. For further information, contact 0870-0101843.