Vets who managed to save the leg of a cat caught in an animal trap are appealing for help to trace him after he gave them the slip.

The lucky moggy was nicknamed Elvis by vet Don Bremner and staff at the Willows Veterinary Centre in Mersea Road.

They treated him after he was brought in by a couple who found him in their garden with the gin trap on his leg.

Mr Bremner said the small bones of the tabby's leg had been badly damaged, but he had managed to avoid amputating the limb.

Having definitely used up one of his nine lives Elvis was looking to hit the road again.

Mr Bremner said that, following an appeal, the owner of the cat came forward, but was not interested in taking him home.

One of the vet assistants offered to put a roof over his head but, after a few days, Elvis was out of the door.

Mr Bremner appealed for anyone who may have seen Elvis to ring 01206 561407.