Beamer the cat found himself on more than just hot bricks when he went searching for a warm spot to snuggle up.

The moggy was just looking for a cosy bed when he crawled into the engine compartment of Nigel Harris' BMW car.

He certainly didn't expect an impromptu tour of Sussex.

But now the hapless tabby is being treated by vets after he was discovered under the bonnet days later. One of his legs was so burnt it was three times its normal size.

Mr Harris, from Findon, near Worthing, had been driving his car around for days without realising the curious cat was hiding in his engine compartment.

He had been visiting auctions at venues across Sussex, including Billingshurst and Storrington, and had also made trips to Dial Post and Crowhurst during the days the cat was believed to be hiding under the bonnet.

During one trip to Worthing with his wife, they were leaving the NCP car park in the town when they heard a noise.

Mr Harris said: "As we were coming down the ramp there were some noises coming from the car but they weren't cat noises and when we got on the flat they stopped."

The alarm was raised again when he noticed a burning smell in the garage. But an examination of the central heating boiler revealed nothing.

Mr Harris took the car around Sussex for the day and when he returned home so did the odour.

He said: "It became obvious it was coming from the car. I lifted up the bonnet and there was the cat. It was still breathing but in a bad way. It was just curled up in a small space."

Mr Harris called on the help of the Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service (Wadars). The cat, who has now been named Beamer, the slang word for a BMW car, was still sitting on the cooling engine, too shocked to move.

Rescue officer Billy Elliott said: "He could have climbed in there at any time. We have no idea how long he'd been under the bonnet or where he climbed in. Mr Harris has travelled all over Sussex."

Beamer was taken to Grove Lodge Vets in Worthing and placed on an antibiotic drip.

There were fears he would lose his front leg but he is now recovering well, although he may have to undergo a skin graft.

Mr Harris said: "He must have been quite a resilient cat. He's certainly lost one of his nine lives."

Beamer was un-neutered when he was rescued and estimated to be between 12 and 14 months old. He had fleas and was a little uncared for and may have been a stray. He has since been neutered and microchipped.

Mr Elliott said they were appealing for Beamer's owners to come forward, although they face vets fees of more than £500 so far. Otherwise the charity is appealing for a new owner for Beamer or people to make donations to an appeal to fund his care.

Anyone who can help can contact Wadars on 01903 217788.