A FAMILY are anxious to trace the whereabouts of their pet cat after a delivery man accidently drove off with the animal inside his van.

The Shepherd family were eagerly awaiting their groceries from Tesco and did not notice inquisitive cat Cheri creep inside the van.

The driver closed the doors and returned to base, unaware that he had a passenger.

It was only when he got to the store, five miles away, and opened the doors that Cheri leapt out and shot across the car park.

The 18-month-old cat has not been seen since and Margi Shepherd, 40, of Hebburn, South Tyneside, is demanding to know why the van was not checked before returning back to the Gateshead supermarket.

Mother-of-two Mrs Shepherd, said: "Maybe Tesco should check their vans when they have made a delivery.

"Cheri is a really friendly cat, she is always running up to people. We have been having work done on the house and she had been getting into workmen's vans. My daughter is really upset and I just felt sick when I realised Cheri was missing.

"The driver said one of the staff had opened the door of his van the day after he visited and a frightened cat shot out. We are very worried about her and just want her back."

A Tesco spokesman said: "This is the first time I have heard of a pet disappearing in a delivery van and normally the doors are shut. Unfortunately, the cat jumped out before anyone could get hold of her."