A FAMILY who returned from their summer holiday this week were left devastated when cattery staff told them they had lost their pet.

The Brazendale family, from Clitheroe, said they couldn't believe it when staff at Belthorn Cattery told them that their ginger and white tabby, Hamish, had gone missing after burglars had left his pen open.

The burglars struck on Bank Holiday Monday night, breaking locks on the first pen and leaving the door open while searching the premises. It is believed that Hamish, who was born and raised on the moors near Grindleton, wandered out to satisfy his love of hunting - leaving his three-legged mum Rosie behind.

Eleanor Brazendale said the family were now just desperate to get their beloved pet back and re-unite him with Rosie.

Mrs Brazendale said: "It was a real shock for us after enjoying a holiday in the South of France.

"By leaving your pets in a cattery you are entrusting them and expect them to be safe so we really couldn't believe what we were hearing.

"Poor Rosie has lost her baby. She has only got three legs and is much more timid than Hamish so probably just stayed behind. But Hamish loves hunting and is a very outdoor cat so would have welcomed the chance to explore the moors around Belthorn.

"We have had Hamish since he was born and my 14-year-old son Michael is really missing him.

"We are just worried now that he is trying to find his way home but is so far out of our area that could get lost for good."

Tony Booth, who owns the cattery, said he and his wife Lynne were "absolutely devastated" when they realised that Hamish had gone missing.

The police were informed about the break-in and the cattery are looking to improving security to stop thieves targeting the premises.

He said: "We felt terrible having to tell Mrs Brazendale that Hamish had gone missing.

"We keep getting phone calls from friends and neighbours who say they have seen Hamish but by the time we get there he has done a runner. Now we have neighbours who are prepared to take him in for us so hopefully it is just a matter of time before we can get him home."

l Anyone who has seen Hamish roaming round Belthorn should call Belthorn Cattery on 01254 52497.