What kind of person would dump this adorable 14-week-old kitten in a hole and then block its only way out?

That's the question animal-lover Lorna Flint has been asking herself after the tiny creature was discovered abandoned on Colchester's Greenstead estate.

Lorna, who is trying to find a home for the helpless pet, said: "Some children were playing in Laing Road when they heard the kitten crying.

"After tracing where the noise was coming from they found it left in a hole which was covered over with an ironing board."

Lorna, 60, who used to run an animal rescue centre and continues to do pet welfare work, said: "I think that someone had it from around eight weeks and then got fed up with it.

"I don't know what kind of person would do this. He is such a lovely little cat."

She said the kitten has a lion-like personality and is now getting on famously with her six dogs and seven cats.

Its antics have already earned it the name Simba, after the brave cub from Disney's animated tale, the Lion King.

The new arrival immediately settled in at Lorna's Britten Close home, leaping on to the back of her Yorkshire terrier, eager to play.

"He is so affectionate and is not scared of a thing. I just cannot understand why someone would dump it in a hole and block its way out."

Inquiries in the area have failed to find Simba's owner.

Anyone who can give Simba a home should contact Lorna on 01206 869002.

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