A stranded pet cat was the latest flood evacuee to be involved in a full-scale rescue by fire officers and the RSPCA from a houseboat in York.

Smiley the cat's family had to be evacuated from their houseboat home at the end of last week as it was considered by the fire brigade to be too dangerous for them to stay there as the flood water was dramatically rising all the time.

Leaving enough food for four days, they reluctantly left Smiley to look after their home, hoping to return within a couple of days.

However, due to the severity of the swollen river, they have not yet been able to return home to their houseboat, which is moored at Fulford.

The concerned family called RSPCA inspector Geoff Edmond and asked if they would be able to evacuate Smiley.

"I contacted the fire service to see if it would be possible to go out in the fire and rescue boat to rescue Smiley," said Geoff.

"There were four fire officers and myself. We arrived at the boat to find Smiley sitting on the deck watching out for us. He was absolutely fine.

"We brought him back onto dry land and he's now staying with friends of the family until they can go back to the boat."