A MIRACLE moggy lived up to it's name when it was rescued by firefighters from a huge farm fire.

Ginger and white tabby Lucky used up one of it's lives when it was trapped for three hours in a blazing barn in Higher Bartle near Preston.

Farmer Andy Duckett, wife Helen, and children Laura and James had no idea he was in the building until a firemen came out cradling him in his arms.

And the raging fire almost led to cat-astrophe for more animals - nearly 100 cows had to be quickly evacuated from the burning barn.

Helen said: "Lucky certainly lived up to his name. We had no idea he was in there until a fireman brought him out all charred and singed." The cat is cared for by seven-year-old Laura. She was praised for ringing relatives while her mum and dad led the cows to safety.

Helen said: "We told her to stay inside with James, shut all the doors and ring relatives and tell them to get down here.

"She did exactly what she was told and was really calm. Andy and I had to get the cows out quickly past the burning buildings and into the field."

Lucky was taken to Tabley Farm, Tabley Lane, three months ago by the Ducketts after he was dumped in the nearby village.

The cat had been getting up to mischief sneaking into the local school and a shop behind people's backs.

Fire crews from Preston and Penwortham were called to the blaze at 9am on Sunday (Jan 4). The flames raged through bales of hay, destroyed one barn and badly damaged another.

Sub Officer Gary West said: "It could've been a lot more serious."

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