A NEWPORT worker has been honoured for his part in rescuing a cat from a 40 foot tree in Newport.

Barry Reed, a tree specialist for Newport council, was awarded a certificate of commendation from RSPCA Cymru after helping to save the animal which was found stuck up a tree in a wooded area near Woodside in Duffryn in Newport in October.

RSPCA animal collection officer (ACO) Gary Lucas arrived at the scene to find the cat clinging high up in an ash tree, and was joined by a rope rescue team from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Following calls by ACO Lucas, Mr Reed then arrived at the scene with his climbing equipment to see if he could help as the cat kept climbing upwards when anyone went near.

Mr Reed said it was the first time he had ever rescued a cat.

“I had to climb up after him, but the higher the cat was going the smaller the branches were getting,” he said.

“It got to a stage where I could not get any higher and had to cut the branch very gently, and I slowly pulled him towards me.

“As soon as he came close to me he did cling on to me.”

Once back on the ground - the cat was greeted by his delighted owner with open arms.

ACO Lucas said: “He must have been up there for a few days. The owner was really relieved he was back safely on the ground.

“It was a very brave rescue by Mr Reed and I am delighted he has been commended for his part in this rescue.

“It was a real team effort - and that’s why it was so successful.”

RSPCA inspectorate project manager Elaine Spence, said: “We appreciate the skill, expertise and risk involved at such a great height and we thought Mr Reed’s extraordinary efforts needed recognition.

“It is a pleasure to recognise what people do and for Mr Reed to know that we appreciate what he did on that day.”