A cat sitter has admitted being reunited with her own wandering moggie after five weeks was “better than winning the lottery”.

Barbara Read was left distraught after Brandy ran away from Stepney Green after he had been re-homed to give him access to a garden.

The 60-year-old professional cat sitter notched up a £160 phone bill calling people back after plastering the area with posters, and placing an advertisement in the East London Advertiser in a desperate bid to track Brandy down.

“I was absolutely distraught, and I am so happy he is found again”, said Barbara.

“The support has been overwhelming. People have been fantastic. It’s really restored my faith in human beings - I can’t believe how kind they have been.”

After discovering Brandy had escaped his doting owner was making two trips every day from her home in Nevill Road, Stoke Newington to leave food for him.

She was left touched by the support of people who got in touch with her to help with her quest to be reunited with her feline friend.

She said: “My life revolved around him until I found him.

“I would like to thank all the people in Tower Hamlets who phoned me. I just think they are all wonderful people and very caring.

“Thank you to your paper and all the people in the East End”, she added.

After Barbara was reunited with Brandy last week she said she would take him back into her own home. She added her thanks to staff at the Celia Hammond Animal Trust in Barking Road, Canning Town for their support in her quest to find Brandy again.