AN unsuspecting driver drove 15 miles with a hidden passenger asleep under a bolted down seat.

The motorist was taking his Alfa Romeo from Hove to a classic car garage near Plumpton Green - completely unaware he had a stowaway fox cub in the car.

As mechanics began to examine the vehicle, they were amazed to find the creature curled up underneath the passenger seat.

They immediately called the RSPCA, who checked the fox cub and found it was unharmed.

Inspector Kate Barnes said: “I think the mechanics had quite a shock when they were faced with this fox cub.

"Luckily he was totally unharmed by his ordeal and is big enough to be able to survive after being released back into the wild.

“We have had lots of rain recently, so it may have been that he was looking for some shelter - and didn’t realise he was about to be taken on a trip through Sussex.”

The fox cub was safely transported back to Hove and released back into the wild.

Anyone who spots a wild animal trapped, injured or in distress, is urged to call the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care, you can donate online at www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/donate or call 0300 123 8181.