NEWBORN kittens just moments from being crushed at a recycling plant had their lives saved after being spotted by an eagle-eyed member of staff.

Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary in Stadhampton received a call from ASM Auto Recycling in Thame yesterday afternoon.

Workers had just been about to demolish a vehicle but discovered four tiny kittens inside, thought to be seven-days-old.

Iain Atkin, animal sanctuary manager, said: "They have had this sort of thing before. Feral cats need somewhere nice and warm. They think it's safe but obviously it's not.

"They are so tiny. They look alright at the moment but we will get the vet to check them. 

"They will stay with us at the sanctuary during the day and staff will take it in turn to take them at night. They need feeding every two hours."

Staff at the sanctuary spent some time looking for the kittens' mother but couldn't find her.