A kitten found with a broken leg has been named Co-op after the filling station where it was rescued.

The eight-week-old black kitten was discovered near the garage on Medway City Estate, Strood, by workers James Taggart and George Catlin.

Mr Taggart, who is now hoping to keep the cat, has given it the unusual name.

He said: "We went over with a small box and picked the small kitten up. It wasn't much bigger than my hand.

"We brought him closer to the shop because it was very cold that night.

"The kitten wasn't standing up or using his back legs. It was clear he was scared as his breathing was very fast."

The RSPCA took the animal to a local veterinary clinic where it underwent an operation.

It is now recovering and will be looked after by the charity before being rehomed.

"If I'm not able to have him then I'm hoping they will keep his name," said Mr Taggart.

An RSPCA said: "We have no idea how it ended up in the gutter. It must have been very traumatic for the poor animal.

"We would like to hear from anyone who might have seen something or someone throwing an item out of the car that night.

"It could be that it saw the lights at the Co-op and was heading towards it.

"We don't know, but it takes an awful lot to break a young kitten's leg."

Anyone with information is ask to call the RSPCA inspector appeal line by phoning 0300 123 8018 and leaving a message for Inspector Joanna Bishop.

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