QUICK-thinking children came to the rescue of two cats which had become perilously trapped between two walls.

Samantha Read, of Carter Street, Chester, said her daughter Chloe, 11, and her friend alerted her when they heard two cats which were trapped “nose to nose” in a gap no more than a few inches wide.

Chloe’s older brother, Matthew, 13, who attends Queen’s Park School, Chester, with his sister, went to the scene and confirmed to his mum that the cats were stuck and still alive.

Samantha phoned the RSPCA but, as there seemed to be rubble in danger of falling on top of the cats, firefighters were called to help.

Samantha said: “They heard the cats and climbed up so they could see them. She could see them in the gap and was worried because it appeared there was stuff above them that could fall on top of them.

“She told me that she could see their eyes and knew they were still alive.”

Peter Fowles watched the drama unfold from his flat overlooking the garages at about 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Mr Fowles said: “I saw the fire engine and a firefighter up on the roof of the garage and wondered what was going on. Then all of a sudden a black and white cat jumped out and darted up there.”

The RSPCA were the first on the scene and called in the firefighters when it became clear the cats were stuck and inaccessible.

The crew from Chester had to access the garage through the roof before dismantling part of the the wall of the garage.

During the operation the cats made a dash for freedom and seemed unhurt by their ordeal.

After the incident, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Two cats became stuck in a very small space between two walls and needed the help of firefighters to get out.

“The crew dismantled part of a wall to get them out. The RSPCA called for the assistance of firefighters and attended to look after the cats.”

The RSPCA confirmed that the cats did not appear to be harmed and urged people to contact them if they see animals in distress.

A spokesman said: “The cats ran away as soon as they were free and thankfully they did not appear to have been harmed by their ordeal.

“Since the start of this year, the RSPCA has been called to 2,819 trapped cats. They are naturally curious and inquisitive animals but some cats are better than others at navigating the hazards that may pop up along the way.

“Anyone who sees an animal in distress should contact our 24-hour helpline on 0300 1234 999.