Cat uses up one of its 999 lives

Mechanic Jim Dixon with the rescued cat

A cat came within a whisker of death after becoming trapped in the engine of a fire service lorry in County Durham.

The vehicle was being used by a fire service driving instructor on Tuesday afternoon when the driver heard noises from the engine.

The lorry was returned to Durham Fire Service headquarters in Framwellgate Moor for closer inspection.

A mechanic was stunned to find the cat inside the fan area, unharmed but a little hot under the collar.

Brigade spokesman Dave Turnbull told BBC News: "The vehicle had been driving around the county all afternoon so we have no idea where the cat came from."

"The firefighters are often involved in animal rescues but this is a first for the mechanic Jim Dixon.

"The cat seemed quite tame and was playing with his hand as he tried to lift it out of the engine."

Mr Turnbull said the lucky cat was still at the brigade headquarters and anyone who thinks it is theirs is asked to contact them.