CURIOSITY got the better of this little cat when he found himself 240 miles from home.

His long-distance journey began when the adventurous tabby hopped in the back of a removal van that was being driven to Hampshire all the way from Liverpool.

It was a big surprise for the family, who had just moved into their new home at Fletcher Close in Dibden, when they opened the lorry and found him inside.

The family had never seen the tabby kitten before and he had no name or number on his sparkly collar or a microchip to identify him.

When he was handed in to the Seadown Veterinary practice in Hythe, staff promptly named the roaming feline after Liverpool-born comedian Jimmy Tarbuck.

Vet Judith Archbold said she was amazed when she heard about the cat’s epic journey south.

“Apparently, the driver opened the back of the lorry and there he was,” she said.

“When he was brought in, he didn’t have any injuries and was perfectly fine.

“I think he must have hopped in there when the lorry was being loaded up. He is only about four months and at that age, cats are very inquisitive.

“He may just have crawled in there, curled up and fallen asleep on a sofa or something.”

Now staff are hoping the real owner of the short-haired tabby and white will come forward so he can make the return trip to his home city.

So far, his temporary owners have only managed to find out that the removal lorry had travelled from the Crosby area of Liverpool.

Judith added: “We are trying to find out which removal firm was used so we can find out which street he came from.

“He seems to love being here – we’ve all become quite attached to him now.”

Anyone who thinks they may know who owns Jimmy Tarbuck should contact the practice on 023 8084 2237.