Woman who climbed tree to save stuck kitten has to be rescued by fire brigade

A woman who climbed a tree to save her friend's kitten had to be rescued by a fire service after getting stuck herself.

Emily Whitton started the intrepid journey up the 20-metre-high tree to save grey-and-white kitten for her friend Saskia Cornwell, but later became unable to get down.

The kitten is only 13 weeks old, and was being kept inside her owner's flat, as she has not had her inoculations yet.

She managed to escape through an open window, shot up a tree in the back garden and stayed there, seemingly unable to get down.

Ms Cornwell called Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue service after Ms Whitton's leg became jammed and she could not go any further.

The firefighters from Dogsthorpe arrived to rescue the stuck pair from the garden in Werrington.

They helped the woman down a ladder and managed to get hold of Bella the cat before she fell.

Both were rescued unharmed, and Bella was pictured being cuddled by her relieved owner.

Ms Cornwell said: "It was very embarrassing. The fire engine arrived with its blue light on and five firemen got out.

"They tied a rope around the branch and three of them pulled the rope to help Emily free her leg, then another fireman climbed up the ladder and helped her down.

"In the meantime Bella managed to climb down the tree to the firemen, so they carried her down too. It was a ridiculous situation, but Bella loved all the attention. I've kept her inside ever since her adventure."

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said people should not ‘risk their own lives’ to save an animal in distress.

They said: "We know that people love animals and would risk their own lives to save a family pet or other animal in distress.

"Our advice would always be to avoid putting yourself in danger and to contact the RSPCA in the first instance."