A KITTEN escaped with one of its nine lives after being rescued from a recycling bin at a Hampshire community centre.

Young tabby Sally Ann was found in a distressed state trapped at the bottom of a Salvation Army clothes recycling bin at Hounsdown Community Centre.

It is not known whether the female kitten, believed to be between six and eight months old, was dumped there by callous pet owners or got inside the bin by herself.

A father and son heard the cat’s mewing as they were dropping off bottles and the concerned youngster climbed inside in the bin to rescue it.

Animal collection officer Sue Brookes said: “We don’t know how this cat came to be trapped inside the recycling bin.

“It is possible she got in there somehow herself. Then again she could have been posted in there by someone as a cruel prank, or by someone simply abandoning an unwanted pet.”

The cat, was rescued on Valentine’s Day and is now recovering at Taylors Rehoming Centre at Kingston Maurward near Dorchester.

It is the second time animals have been rescued in Hampshire in the last few weeks. Last month nine rabbits were thrown from a car at Bartley.

Seven were rescued by passers by and RSPCA officers and taken to Ashley Heath Animal Centre near Ringwood.

The RSPCA is appealing for help. Call 0300 1234 999.