A cat escaped unhurt despite travelling more than 50 miles under the bonnet of a car where it had taken refuge.

The three-year-old moggy spent more than an hour trapped in the car on the journey from Sidcup, Kent, to Brighton.

The driver only discovered the cream-and-tan male, who vets have nicknamed Kent, after hearing it meowing under the bonnet.

He took the cat to Coastway Veterinary Clinic in Montague Place, Brighton, before carrying on with his journey.

Surgeon Paul Lawrence gave Kent a thorough medical but was amazed to find the animal was unharmed.

Mr Lawrence said: "There was absolutely nothing wrong with him.

"He had a few oil stains on him when he got to us but other than that he was fine.

"When it's cold in winter, cats are known to climb into cars because it's nice and warm there.

"It's pretty miraculous that he was okay as I have had cats in the past who have got burnt in cars.

"The heat is the main problem so he obviously found somewhere to hide away from it."

Kent was given a hearty meal after his ordeal before being taken to the RSPCA Animal Centre in Braypool Lane, Patcham, where he is being looked after by staff.

RSPCA inspectors have put up posters in Sidcup in the hope of tracing the cat's owner.

One family who think Kent might be theirs are travelling to see him in the next few days.

Manager Jenny Wells said: "He is doing absolutely fine. We have got people coming to look at him and we hope they are his owners.

"They probably got a shock when they phoned up the RSPCA and got told their cat was in Brighton.

"It's fair to say he is very lucky and it's good that he didn't run off when the driver opened the bonnet.

"If he had, then his people in Kent would never have known to look for him in Brighton."

Ms Wells said there was plenty of time for Kent to be claimed before he was rehomed by the RSPCA.