A paramedic rappelled down a 36ft well to save an abandoned kitten.

Nakharin Songsopha, a rescue trainer from a local volunteer organisation, abseiled down the unused well at the edge of a village in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.

Footage shows the officer being lowered into the shaft, where the stray black-and-brown moggie named Nang Suea had been stuck for more than five days.

He first checked the opening for any toxic fumes before descending into the well and grabbing the hapless kitten with gloved hands.

Nakharin placed the feline in a basket, and both were winched up to safety on March 20.

Villagers said they called the rescue unit when they heard the distressed cat's cries echoing from the depths of the well.

When they looked inside, they found Nang Suea trapped and out of reach.

A local said: 'Nang Suea had been living near a local office for around two months, where staff regularly fed her.

'She had formed a close bond with a male cat named Panda, who sadly passed away the previous week. She was often seen lying near his burial site until she vanished on March 16.'

The tortoiseshell cat was weak but unharmed when she was saved. The residents thanked Nakharin for swiftly rescuing the beloved neighbourhood feline.