Four tiny kittens, who were found covered in their own mess after being dumped in a box for the dustmen, are now recovering from their ordeal.

The kittens, then thought to be around five weeks old, were discovered by a St Keyne resident who investigated a strange box which had appeared with the rubbish. In it they discovered the four ginger and white long-haired kittens - two boys and two girls. They were taken away to safety and have been temporarily re-housed by a member of the Cats Protection Group.

It is thought the kittens had been left out for a couple of nights, or more, and if the temperatures had been any lower they would probably have died. As it is they have had to be cleaned up, taken to the vet for a check-up and treatment, and given expert feeding in a bid to boost them. It is not known whether the mother cat is alive, but the Cats Protection Group stressed that if she is then she is probably in need of veterinary attention.

A group spokesman said: "There is no excuse or reason for this to happen in this day and age. There are pet welfare charities such as the local Group (01579 382794), who are there to help if they can with cases like this. Also, any veterinary practice would be able to offer advice if there is a problem.'