Fur-nominal schoolgirl helps rescue Brenda and her kittens from under shed

Nine-year-old Simone Lacey, who lives in Intake, spent an afternoon working with an RSPCA inspector and animal collection officer to coax the family out.

Inspector Leanne Booth said: “Simone’s help was invaluable. She was very gentle and patient with the animals. What a fantastic thing for a young girl to be getting involved with during the school holidays.”

The Laceys had been feeding the cat, which used to belong to a neighbour who has now moved out of the area, for a few weeks.

They discovered the kittens when their terrier dog began ferreting trying to get them out.

Mum Michelle said: “The cat really took to us, but when we found the babies we just couldn’t leave them there.

“That’s when they called the RSPCA and officer came to coax the kitties out from under the shed - with Leanne’s help.”

The cat, a short haired ginger and white named Brenda, is now available for rehoming and is currently living at the RSPCA Doncaster, Rotherham and District Branch Animal Centre in Bawtry.

Her four ginger and white male and one tortoiseshell female kittens are being cared for by a fosterer. All five are expected to be available for rehoming from the centre in one week’s time.

Simone said: “I’m really pleased they’re going to find nice new homes. The cat is so lovely and the kittens are cute.”

Anyone who is interested in offering a home to Brenda or any of her kittens should contact the centre on 01302 719790.