A curious kitten endured a hair-raising 30-mile journey down the M2 - after wedging itself in the engine compartment of a car.

The thrill-seeking cat clung on for dear life as Nathan Hudson drove home to Herne Bay from Maidstone in his VW Touran.

It was only when the 42-year-old fishmonger heard purring coming from under the bonnet that he discovered the frightened feline.

Callie the kitten. Picture: Tony Flashman

Callie was found under the bonnet of a car. Picture: Tony Flashman

The dad-of-two rushed it to vets - who named it Callie and have since attempted to track down its owner.

Mr Hudson said: “I was doing some work in Maidstone and when I came back I pulled up at home and heard this purring sound.

“I thought ‘oh dear, have I run over a cat?’ but luckily it had positioned itself in the engine right in the corner by the wheel arch.

“I don’t think anyone checks if they have got a stowaway on board.

Herne Bay fishmonger Nathan Hudson. Picture: Tony Flashman

“I was a bit shocked but pleased I hadn’t run it over and that it wasn’t hurt.”

Mr Hudson, who owns Hudson’s Fish in the High Street, took the kitten to the Animal House vets in Canterbury Road.

Nurse Abby Hewett, who thinks Callie is six months to a year-old, has been caring for her since she arrived last Wednesday.

She said: “When it came in there were no obvious injuries and she was absolutely fine.

“We have contacted all the local vets in Maidstone but no one has heard anything.

Donna Ladner with Callie. Picture: Tony Flashman

“She is bright and eating well; she is very friendly.”

Miss Hewett say cats are attracted to cars as they like the warm engines, but has never seen one travel like Callie did before.

She said: “We didn’t know if she would have burns from the engine after an hour-long journey, but she is fine. She likes a fuss, a cuddle and a play.

“The people who brought her in were interested in taking her on possibly but if they don’t we will be looking for others.

“We haven’t had anything from Maidstone – all the other vets haven’t heard anything.”