Little Heathcliffe might not be quite so adventurous in the future.He may be only eight weeks old, but the kitten has made name for himself for enjoying exploring - and on Saturday his inquisitive nature got him into a spot of bother and firefighters had to free him from under a washing machine.

Little Heathcliffe might not be quite so adventurous in the future.

He may be only eight weeks old, but the kitten has made name for himself for enjoying exploring - and on Saturday his inquisitive nature got him into a spot of bother and firefighters had to free him from under a washing machine.

The drama started at about 9.45am on Saturday morning at Richmond Place, in Lyng, near Dereham, when Heathcliffe put his head through a hole in the base.

Owner Sarah Chambers tried to release him but could not and a fire crew from Reepham was called out.

Watch manager Phillip Leeder said they initially tried oil to free him, but that did not work so they gently turned the machine on to its side and removed the panel, and cut round the hole to release him.

'He was actually very calm and we thought as soon as he was released he might bite us. Over the years I have had calls to cats down wells and up trees and in a vehicle wheel and they normally bite you when they are free!'