A GINGER tabby cat was discovered in a van engine after surviving a suspected 60 mile journey miraculously unscathed.

The mystery feline, nicknamed Sparky, was spotted inside the vehicle by passer-by Darren Sumner after he saw the broken down van on London Road last Sunday (August 28).

“I was shocked when I saw the cat. He was sitting behind the heater matrix, I felt his paws and they were boiling hot,” Mr Sumner said.

“He was warm and scared so I sat and stroked him for about 30 minutes until I coaxed him out.”

Mr Sumner took Sparky home and, after feeding and housing him for the night, contacted the RSPCA.

Despite travelling with the van from its starting point of White Heart Lane in Tottenham, the cat was found to be in fine physical condition when checked over by vets.

Helena Peace, from Reading Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said: “It’s amazing that Sparky survived his journey, it must have been terrifying for him.

“He was traumatised but physically unhurt.

“He’s certainly used up one of his nine lives.

“We think he’s about a year old.

“He’s extremely friendly and loves to climb up onto your chest for fuss.

“It would be great to reunite him with his owners, they must be worried sick about him.”

Anyone who recognises Sparky can contact Helena Peace on 07885 655075.