A mischievous moggy has been rehomed after a traumatic rescue from a shipping container.

Last month whilst walking through Mill Lane Industrial Estate in Newcastle, a passer-by heard the faint cries of a trapped cat.

They called local charity Westgate Ark Cat Homing Centre to see if they could help free the feline.

Once they arrived, it was clear they were going to need an expert hand in rescuing this little creature.

One of the volunteers called Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) who sent an appliance from Newcastle Central Fire Station to the rescue.

Upon closer inspection, the kitten had gotten himself wedged and would need to be cut free, so firefighters got to work.

They had to use a saw to cut a hole in a metal shipping container to free the animal making sure they were incredibly careful not to harm him.

Once free, it was clear the kitty was a bit scratched up from the ordeal so firefighters provided him with some oxygen before leaving him in the care of Westgate Ark Cat Homing Centre.

Cath Anderson, a volunteer with the social enterprise for over 15 years, then took care of the cat until he was ready to be rehomed to his forever home with James Scott in Morpeth.

And today (Wednesday), Cath and James are singing the praises of the fire service for their help that day.

Cath said “The firefighters that day were absolutely amazing in helping us rescue the newly named Sam the cat.

“They were so quick and professional and I’m so grateful for their hard work and patience.

“Sam had a few cuts and bruises but after two weeks with me he was able to be rehomed.

“Sam was named after fireman Sam the popular kids television show, one of our followers on Facebook suggested the name.”

Sam the cat now loves life in Morpeth where he is living with James Scott, 65 a semi-retired taxi driver, a long-term supporter of Westgate Ark Cat Homing Centre.

James said “He came to me such a small thing but has been eating me out of house and home.

“I’ve got another cat, Magoo, who was born in May and they are getting on like a house on fire, sometimes you can never tell with cats at the beginning.

“I’ve been involved with Westgate Ark Cat Homing Centre for a long time and agree with Cath, the firefighters who helped save Sam that day.

“The way he was stuck and his injuries from trying to get out, if that passer-by hadn’t heard his cries who knows what could have happened.”

For further information about the work of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, please visit www.twfire.gov.uk