AN inquisitive cat is counting its remaining eight lives after escaping from a tank of used engine oil.

The cat, dubbed Olive, after the cartoon character Olive Oyle, is now making a good recovery.

The tortoiseshell and white cat managed to scramble out of the tank and was found hiding under a car by surprised staff at A1 Autoglass, Yorkshire Street, Burnley.

After unsuccessfully trying to hose the cat down, staff called for the help of the RSPCA and the animal was taken to the nearby Greenhalgh's veterinary surgery for treatment.

It was only after Olive had been properly bathed that it became apparent what colour she was.

RSPCA inspector Dave Anforth said: "Everyone thought she was a black cat at first, she was so badly covered in oil.

"She is lucky she was able to climb out of the tank by herself otherwise she might have drowned."

Olive is now making a steady recovery and RSPCA staff are hoping she can be reunited with her owner.

Insp Anforth said: "Unfortunately Olive is not microchipped and so could not be immediately identified.

"She is a beautiful cat who has obviously been well cared for. I am sure she must have an owner somewhere who is missing her."

Anyone wishing to claim Olive or who knows who she belongs to should contact the RSPCA national number of 08705 555999.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.