A FAMILY is frantically searching for its pet cat after he decided to hitch a lift on the back of a lorry – to the rubbish tip.

Unknown to his owner, Marley decided to join him at work on Saturday and sat calmly amongst the waste on the back of the flat-bed lorry as it headed to the commercial refuse centre at Mannings Heath.

The 18-month-old cat was spotted by an elderly neighbour as owner Justin Lillington drove away from the family home in Kinson Road, Bournemouth, but he was unable to attract his attention and could only watch as Marley headed off into the distance.

Now Justin’s wife, Julie, and children Tia, 11, and eight-year-old Megan have appealed for help to get him back and have offered a £50 reward.

“There was nothing my neighbour could do about it” said Julie. “I can’t believe he’s such a silly cat because Justin stopped to sort out the mirrors and he still didn’t get off the lorry.

“Now we just hope someone will recognise him and help us get him back. We’ve put posters up around the area.”

Marley and his sister, Butz, have lived with the family since they were five-weeks-old and Julie said Butz is missing him.

He is described as white with a black tail, two black markings by his ears and two black markings on his side. He was wearing a yellow collar with two bells on it.

Anyone with information is asked to call 07581 882583.