A lucky cat was today rescued after an hour long ordeal trapped in a three-inch gap between two garages in Hampshire.

The family pet, a 14-year old moggy named Bert, used up at least one of his nine lives - but was rescued in one piece thanks to the quick work of Rural Safety Officer Anton Phillips of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The fire service were alerted to Bert's plight early this morning and immediately mobilised the animal rescue specialist to the incident in Cordelia Close, Dibden Purlieu.

It is believed that Bert may have been chasing a mouse when he climbed through a four inch gap and become trapped in between the two garages.

Faced with the prospect of an even tighter exit point of just two and half inches, Watch Manager Phillips placed tea towels over the long-haired moggy's head to keep him calm.

He then arranged for the pet's owner to strategically place a broom between the garages to prevent the cat from moving any further forward.

Watch Manager Phillips then used a lump hammer, bolster and cold chisel to free Bert from the tightly confined space.