ALEX the runaway guinea pig had a taste of life as a goldfish after making a dash for freedom.

Wilma Campbell, of Lychgate, Hurworth, near Darlington, got more than she bargained for when she went to hang her washing on the line and discovered the animal running around her garden.

Mrs Campbell said that the brown and white rodent seemed very nervous as she tried to catch it.

"It was scuttling all around and we had to herd it into a corner before we could pick it up," she said.

Unfortunately, the family had nothing suitable to house the animal, so it spent its first few days in a fish tank before being rehoused in a borrowed guinea pig hutch.

"We aren't sure if it is a boy or a girl, so we are calling it Alex, which would cover either sex," said Mrs Campbell.

Although the family made inquiries at neighbouring homes and placed notices in the village shop and the two local primary schools, they have been unsuccessful in establishing where Alex escaped from and how it came to be in the Campbells' garden.

Alex is being cared for by Mrs Campbell's daughter Rachel, 15, who has quickly become attached to it.

If Alex is your missing pet, Mrs Campbell can be contacted in the evenings on (01325) 720924.