Tim and Patricia Austin frantically searched for Sandi after he failed to come home - unaware he'd hopped on a ferry to Bilbao.  They now know the ginger tom is safe and well - but he can't come home for up to six months because he's in quarantine.  The couple, from Lee-on-the-Solent, put up posters and handed out leaflets after he went missing.

But they were surprised to receive a phone call three days later saying Sandi was alive and well in Spain.  He had been discovered onboard the P&O ferry the Pride of Bilbao, on it's Saturday night sailing from nearby Portsmouth to the Spanish port.  Mr Austin, 67, said: "Him being microchipped has been absolutely key to his return - without that he would probably have been put down after they found him."

Matt Ford, from Animal Health, said: "We were the first people to call the Austins - it had been quite a traumatic time for them. They were clearly very happy and rather emotional to find that their pet was safe."  Brian Rees, P&O spokesman, said: "Since he was found he's been treated like a VIP - he's had a cabin to himself for the return journey and been dining on chicken and salmon.  I think most of the crew have had a cuddle - they'll be sad to see him go."

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