A POSTMAN was the recipient of a special delivery while on his rounds in Worcester yesterday morning.

The postman was delivering mail in the Dines Green area of the city on Friday at around 11am when he found six newborn kittens on the driveway of house.

The postman knocked on the door of the house, but after receiving no answer he called on neighbours, although no one could tell him why the kittens were there.

One kitten sadly died, but a neighbour took the five surviving kittens to Ambleside Vets where they are being cared for by head veterinary nurse, Mari Griffith.

Miss Griffith, who has worked at Ambleside Vets for ten years, said: "When they came to me they were very cold and not moving due to lack of feeding and energy. They are literally hours old. I've been feeding them every two hours and they are getting stronger, but we can only hope they will all survive.

"It's unclear if they were abandoned there, or if the mother cat had gone away and was intending to go back to the kittens. But even so, it is avoidable if people get their cats neutered. But people don't bother. We charge £30 to neuter male cats and £50 for females, but the RSPCA can help with these costs so everyone can afford it."

Pamela Booker, the secretary of the RSPCA's Worcester and Mid Worcestershire Branch, said the discovery was just another "avoidable misery".

"I think it's brilliant what the postman did to help the kittens.

"They are now being warmed and fed, so we are really hoping they all pull through, but it is too early to tell. One still had the umbilical cord attached, which also tells us that the mother cat — who couldn't be found — may have had a bad birth and could be in trouble."

Although this sad story may have a happy ending, Ms Brooker said it's one that is entirely avoidable.

"People need to take responsibility and start neutering their cats. Finance is not an issue, because we will also help with neutering costs for people on low income. Our kennels are so full with adult cats that need quality homes, and now we will have to find homes for these kittens as well as others we have had brought in. It's an utterly dire situation but one that doesn't have to happen."

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "Our postmen and women are often the eyes and ears of the local community and this postman acted in a kind and caring way. We hope the kittens are now found safe homes."