A family is frantically searching for their pet cat, which travelled 20 miles from home after stowing away in a van.

The Ferris family, from Swindon, has been left searching the streets of Wantage for their ginger tabby Astra, which disappeared more than a week ago. The mischievous moggy was taken on a mystery tour of south Oxfordshire after creeping into the back of a Thames Water van, which had been parked outside the family's home in the Penhill area of the town.

The van eventually pulled up in Wantage, where the disorientated Astra disembarked. But despite repeated trips to Wantage, the family is still no closer to finding her.

Andy Ferris, 25, said: "People have spotted her around, but despite wandering the streets of Wantage, we can't find her.

"I would urge people in the Wantage area to check their sheds, garages and gardens, and to look under hedges. We want to find out what has happened to her - whether it is good or bad. "

He said two-year-old Astra - who is ginger with a white front and paws - was tame and responded to her name.

Anyone with information on Astra's whereabouts should call 07979 543255.