A KITTEN is lucky to be alive after being dumped in a skip and then going through a sorting barrel at a waste disposal site.

The seven-week-old kitten was spotted by a worker at Eastern Waste Disposal, in Brightlingsea, after it had been in the giant revolving trommel.

He plucked the kitten to safety and took it home, before handing it over to Brenda Davy, from Alresford, who helps to re-home cats.

Mrs Davy said: “When skips come in, they are tipped into a huge tumble-dryer-type thing, so they can sort it out and they found this tiny black and white kitten inside.

“I have taken him to the vet and all he had was some bruising on his hind legs. It is an absolute miracle he made it through.”

Brenda has named the kitten Skippy.

She added: “He was very dirty when he was brought to me, but in surprisingly good condition.

“It is quite likely he was dumped in the skip by someone, it is horrible. I can’t believe people can be that cruel.

“Considering what he has been through, Skippy is very fluffy and friendly, and it will be no problem finding a new home for him.

“I will be sad to lose him when he goes and I’d like to keep him, but I have so many cats already, I wouldn’t be able to give him the attention he deserves.”

Brenda sometimes works with the RSPCA and has 14 cats at her home, as well as about 20 she is trying to find new homes for.

Danny Carter, a director at Eastern Waste Disposal, said: “This is the first time we have had a kitten go through the trommel.

“It is amazing what some people will throw away, but our pickers are a good bunch of people and they did a good thing here.”

n Brenda’s sanctuary is called Kitten Rescue. Anyone who would like to adopt a cat, can call 01206 826968.