A cat which went walkabout the day before its owner went on holiday has been found safe and sound.

Jane McCausland, of New Road, Stanway, put off the packing on Friday night when Alice the Persian puss did not come home.

Mrs McCausland, who has eight cats, sent out leaflets and put up posters around the area in a bid to find her missing moggy before she jetted off to Portugal for a fortnight's family holiday.

Alice was found on Sunday morning wedged under a shed in Springsedge Close by a man who had asked a friend to help him move it.

Mrs McCausland's neighbour Mavis Finch, who is now caring for Alice, said it had been a miraculous tale.

"She is elderly and she has obviously had a very bad shock but she's come to no harm."

Mrs McCausland was overjoyed to hear of the happy ending.

"I am surprised you didn't hear the Champagne corks popping from here," Mrs Finch joked.

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