A kitten missing since Christmas Day has been found...in a kitchen cupboard.

Buttons disappeared at around 2pm on 25 December while she and owner Tracy Morris visited Tracy's daughter and boyfriend's house in Ladywell, Oakham.

They feared the four-month old tabby had escaped through an open door when they threw out wrapping paper.

But in the early hours of this morning (Sat), shortly after Tracy appealed through Oakham Nub News for residents' help to track down the missing kitten she was discovered scared and hungry.

Tracy, from Fleckney, said: "I received a message from my daughter Megan at 2am to say that her boyfriend Reece heard meowing in the kitchen and found Buttons in the little cubby hole for the stop tap!

"It's a huge relief that she is safe and well. She's very timid and must have hidden there when the Christmas festivities got too much for her.

"Megan and Reece had no idea she was in their house all the time - they have spent two days out searching at all hours of the day and night.

"Although clearly scared and very hungry, Buttons doesn't seem to be any the worse for wear after holing up for a couple of days - she did enjoy a big fuss from Megan and Reece though.

" I'm so grateful to everyone who helped look for her."

Tracy who had originally planned to make the 40 minute journey to Oakham after work today to resume the search for Buttons, will now be returning to collect her much-loved kitten.

"I can't wait to get her back home," added Tracy.