FIRE crews in Ludlow and south Shropshire have special oxygen masks for cats amongst their equipment.

The special masks are available to all the stations and one has been used for the first time in a rescue in the north of the county in which the life of a 15-year-old cat was saved.

It is believed that the cat, named Harriet, slipped off some washing that was near an electric hob and accidentally turned on the cooker causing a fire that completely gutter the kitchen.

Although unwell after the incident the tabby tortoiseshell has now recovered. Two dogs and a chinchilla were also rescued from the fire.

The special masks that cost £90 come in three different sizes.