A North East family have rescued a kitten just a few weeks old after she was found inside County Durham's largest forest.

A new job found Ian Gourdon, 43, working in Hamsterley Forest when on August 23 he stumbled across a pair of kittens amongst the trees.

Quickly bundling up the first in to his van, he went back to find the second but to no avail so ended up taking one kitten back home to Blaydon.

Ian and Amber the kitten.Ian and Amber the kitten. (Image: GEMMA BAINBRIDGE)

The kitten, now named Amber, is thriving and doing well as one of her new owners Gemma Bainbridge, believes the site may be a notable "dumping ground" for kittens.

Gemma told The Northern Echo: "My partner has just begun a stone walling job and he's working over that way. He ended up coming home on Friday night and saw these two little kittens.

Gemma with Amber the kitten.Gemma with Amber the kitten. (Image: GEMMA BAINBRIDGE)

"He couldn't find the other one - even when we went back the next day we couldn't find it. But, the cat we did rescue got lost in the car and was there for hours before we found her.

"She was hiding behind the glove box."

Gemma and Ian now estimate that "little" Amber is only three or four weeks old as they prepare to give her a forever home. alongside their four other cats, dog, and rabbit.

Gemma with Amber the kitten.Gemma with Amber the kitten. (Image: GEMMA BAINBRIDGE)

Since she's arrived at her forever home, Gemma has been taking Amber on adventures whilst she works - and has stolen many hearts in the process.

She said: "So far I have been taking her everywhere with me. I'm a market jeweller so have been taking her everywhere with me.

Recommended:

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £6 for 6 months for a limited time only here.

Gemma with Amber the kitten.Gemma with Amber the kitten. (Image: GEMMA BAINBRIDGE)

"I was in Alnwick and people were just in awe of her! She is just so small, I don't want to leave her in an enclosed room.

"It has worked out quite well, it's just like having a baby. She is so cuddly, but I think that is because she is so long.

"She has been through so much but is doing so well!"