This is the heroic moment a shop assistant climbed into a canal and used his foot to rescue a struggling kitten.

Jakrapan Jantajam, a 7-Eleven convenience store employee, successfully retrieved the hapless tuxedo feline from the water in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 25.

Footage shows the worker initially attempting to reach the drowning furry creature with a long tree branch, but the animal was too far away.

Moments later, as the exhausted kitten slowly swam toward the bank, Jakrapan carefully positioned himself on the railing, letting his legs dangle over the water.

The feline then clung onto his foot, prompting him to lift it to safety using his full strength.

The cat did not sustain any serious injuries but was visibly exhausted from the ordeal.

Jakrapan said: 'I was driving back from a 7-Eleven delivery when I saw the cat struggling in the middle of the water. It was exhausted, with no way to climb out.

'At first, it was just floating there, so I used a wooden stick to help it grab on, but it swam away again.

'So, I had to go in and rescue it myself. I'm not a strong swimmer, but I knew I had to help. I'm really glad I was able to save it. I lost one shoe, but it's fine.'

Jakrapan took the kitten to a nearby home where it was given food and water.