A desperate appeal for help was made after a family's pet cat became stuck on a roof yesterday - and didn't come down for hours.

The puss, called Monica, had been on the roof of the property in Allington, since Monday afternoon.

Despite attempts from the owners to coax her down, the nine-month-old tabby ragdoll cross wouldn't budge.

Monica lives in Rayleigh Close and belongs to Graham Alner, but was stranded in neighbouring Sheringham Close.

A friend of the owner, Rebecca Dingle, took to Facebook to appeal for help rescuing the moggy.

She wrote: "Help! Any roofer type people out there with long ladders who fancies being a hero?

"A friend's cat has been stuck on the roof all night and all day, they've been trying to encourage her down but she won't budge."

Graham Alner, 49, said firemen may have been needed - potentially leaving Monica facing another night out in the cold.

The father-of-three said: "It is amazing how quickly word gets around. It was only posted on Facebook today and suddenly people are reaching out and offering to help. It is good that people are still happy to help a neighbour in need."

"She is a lovely, friendly little cat so we are sad and upset she is stuck up there."

Thankfully, Mr Alner later confirmed that with the help of friends, who turned up with ladders, Monica was retrieved at around 7pm.

She's now back at home, safe and well.