A RUNAWAY ferret is in safe hands after seeking shelter from the wintry weather.

Frankie, as he has been named, was handed in to the National Animal Sanctuary Support League (NASSL), in Sadberge, near Darlington, on Monday.

He was found by Dennis Hanky, 52, after he darted into his home in Brockett Close, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to get out of the cold.

Mr Hanky said: "I opened the kitchen door and he just came running past.

"I had to close the door into the lounge because there were children in there. It's caused quite a bit of excitement."

Mr Hanky put Frankie in a cardboard box, called the animal sanctuary and then put the ferret in his shed until the next day.

Mr Hanky said: "He was quite lively in the morning and I was pleased to see he was OK.

"He obviously belongs to someone living nearby, so I hope the owner gets him back."

Pauline Wilson, of NASSL, said it takes in about six ferrets a year.

Mrs Wilson said: "This one is quite tame, but we don't know where he has come from. Sometimes they are escape artists and break out of their cages.

"Other times, people just let them go because they get sick of them."

Anyone who recognises Frankie can call NASSL on (01325) 321855.