The black and white cat was found hidden under the chassis of a car at Stan Marks Garage in Garstang Road, Preston.

The animal miraculously survived a two-mile journey and was only spotted when the silver Seat Cordoba was having its wheel bearings examined on a mechanical ramp.

Garage co-owner Trilby Beetham said: "My husband Kevin came up and said he had found the cat under the car.

"It was a shock as we've only had this happen once before – 30 years ago when a cat shot out from under the bonnet of a Vauxhall.

"But this is the first time we've had one sitting on the engine – it would have been very warm!

"I think the cat has had a very lucky escape. I think one of the nine lives have definitely been used up. We will certainly be checking for animals in the future."

David Blanchard, 28, of Dodgson Road, Preston, who drove the car to the garage, said: "It tried to get in the house this morning and we managed to move it.

"I didn't notice anything when I drove here. It was pretty lucky as it was stuck under the vehicle."

The garage is now looking for the cat's owner.

Mrs Beetham added: "The car owner has heard a next door neighbour's cat has been missing for three weeks so it could be his."

>> Vote in our latest web poll