A FLUFFY ginger cat that embarked on a two-month adventure in the wilds, after hitching a lift in the back of a bathroom fitter’s van, has been reunited with his family.

George, who was rescued by the Hampsons five years ago, jumped into the back of a van belonging to the tradesman who was working at the family’s home in Warminster on January 5.

He didn’t spot his feline passenger and drove him 25 miles away to Colerne. When he opened the van door about two hours later, eight-year-old George leapt out and bolted down the street in the direction of Thickwood.

By the time the workman realised what had happened, the eight-year-old cat had vanished.

The family were devastated by George’s disappearance and did everything they could to bring him home, including alerting the Colerne community for help - via Facebook and by putting up posters around the village. And On Monday (March 6), they finally got good news they had been craving.

“We got a call from Peter and Angela Golding in Thickwood, who said they had spotted George in a field near their house and enticed him into their summer house,” said lifestyle coach Jennifer Hampson, who lives with husband Nigel and son Alexander.

“They were amazing. When George went missing, they left their summer house open and put his favourite food in there. They sent me a picture of George in the summer house on Monday and it looked like him but I couldn’t be 100 per cent sure, so I drove over.

“When I got there George rubbed his cheek against the side of the door and that’s when I knew it was definitely him – that’s what he always does at home.”

Mrs Hampson said she wanted to thank Mr and Mrs Golding and the whole Colerne community.

George has lost 2kg and has a mouth ulcer but a check-up from the vet ensured he has no serious health problems from his adventure.

Mrs Hampson added: “It’s like he never went away; he’s been sitting on Alexander’s lap as he watches TV like usual and is snuggling up to everyone for cuddles.

“Alexander couldn’t believe it when I brought him home, he was so shocked and absolutely over the moon.

“Our other cat Mika couldn’t take her eyes off him when he came in – she thought she was the queen of the house, but not any more.”