An adorable kitten who was found in a hedge at just three-weeks-old has been nursed back to health and found his forever home.

When Alfie was discovered by members of the community team from Oak Tree Animals' Charity his siblings had already passed away at an early age.

He was unable to open his eyes which were sealed shut with discharge, he had a suspected heart murmur and he was severely infested with fleas, lice and mites and urgently needed medical help.

The kitten was found in a colony of 40 feral cats during a routine trap-neuter-return case, a programme designed to maintain the health and wellbeing of feral cats and control population numbers. Such programmes help prevent unwanted kittens, the spread of disease and improve their welfare.

Oak Tree staff then took him to a partner veterinary surgery where he was checked over and treated. Alfie was then returned to his mother and Oak Tree staff worked alongside his carer to bathe and treat his eye condition.

At six weeks, Alfie was weaned allowing his mother to be neutered while he was found a foster carer to socialise him, preparing him to find a forever home.

Thanks to their efforts, Alfie quickly grew in strength and confidence. Staff say he has now turned into an "intrepid explorer and player" and has been adopted by his fosterer who says he is doing "extremely well".

Becky Lowis, community engagement supervisor, said: "Alfie had a very rocky start in life and has gone from strength to strength.

"Without our community work, Alfie would not have been able to receive the urgent medical treatment he needed to become a happy and healthy kitten.”