Hambleton Hamster found dumped in rubbish bin

Street cleaner Alan Gregg spotted the little rodent when he was emptying the bin in Bullamoor Road, Northallerton.

Mr Gregg said he was hiding in the bottom.

“He was very frightened but with a bit of coaxing I managed to get him out of the bin and carried him back to the depot,” he said.

“He was quiet at first but now seems very much at home in his new surroundings.”

Staff at the Hambleton District Council depot renamed him Hammy. They found a temporary home for him at the Northallerton branch of Pets At Home.

“We hope he has escaped and there is someone out there looking for him - and not that he has been dumped in the bin,” said Hambleton Council street scene manager, John Proud.

“But if no-one comes forward in the next few days Hammy will be looking for a new home.”

If Hammy belongs to you, please contact Hambleton District Council on 0845 1211 555.