Cat found inside a chimney six days after homeowners heard scratching in walls

A cat has been rescued from the inside of a chimney after homeowners heard noises, which turned out to be meowing.

The owners of Williams Funeral Directors in Ilfracombe were hearing scratching at night from the inside of a chimney in one of their bedrooms.

After unsuccessfully trying to examine the narrow chimney themselves, they couldn't see anything, but the noises continued for six days.

They then called the North Devon Animal Ambulance, who upon arrival, presumed the rescue was too difficult to execute.

They took a photo of inside the chimney, and there it was, the mystery animal, their neighbour's missing cat.

Dianna and her colleague Pauline assessed the situation and called in a third party who could help locate the exact location of the cat.

Using a camera, they discovered it was perched on a narrow ledge some 30 to 40 feet up the chimney and looked both 'weak and terrified'.

After also calling Ilfracombe Fire Service, the elderly male cat was removed and caught in the arms of an officer.

After being checked over and given the all clear, the cat, which turned out to be called 'Patch', was returned home to a very grateful family, who had reported their black and white pet missing some days earlier.