FLINT the ferret had a lucky escape after being found in the bottom of a wheelie bin just moments before it was due to be emptied.

The one-year-old ferret was spotted by dustbin man Darren Chandler who was on his rounds in Flint Lane, Waterbeach.

Mr Chandler, 30, of Bramley Avenue, Melbourn, said: “I just lifted the lid on the black bin before hooking it up to the dustbin lorry, like I do all of the bins, and spotted something moving about.

“I realised it was a little ferret and got one of my colleagues to fetch a box so I could take it to Wood Green.”

Wood Green’s small animal welfare manager, Marie Channer paid tribute to Mr Chandler for saving the ferret’s life.

She said: “It is not uncommon for ferrets to be find their way into bins and skips to find food. However, if it wasn’t for Darren, there is a chance Flint wouldn’t be with us today.

“This little boy is very friendly so we believe he once belonged to a family. Unfortunately nobody has come forward for him and he isn’t microchipped, so we haven’t been able to reunite him with an owner. Therefore he is looking for a new home.”

Wood Green has 25 ferrets looking for new homes.

For further information please call 0844 248 8181