TWO lucky furry friends are making a speedy recovery after being found by a passer-by stranded in a ditch.

Nick Nevey discovered the guinea pigs - named Bob and Alice by the RSPCA staff now looking after them - while taking his dog, Stan, for a walk in Far Forest.

Mr Nevy, aged 42, a tree surgeon, of Mitton Street, Stourport-on-Severn, rang the charity after spotting the guinea pigs in a car park near the Horse and Jockey pub.

He said: "Finding guinea pigs when you are about to go walking in a forest is probably the last thing you expect. It was quite surreal. There was another woman in the car park at the time. I had my mobile phone on me so I made the call to the RSPCA.

"The guinea pigs were just sitting there motionless. At first it was difficult to see if they were still alive. It was strange but I suppose it was my good deed for the day."

Judith Haw, RSPCA spokeswoman, said the organisation was glad the story had been given a happy ending but there was a serious message.

She said: "Guinea pigs are domestic animals and would not have been able to survive in such a different environment to the one they are used to.

"They are both very lucky. If they have escaped then there would be an issue regarding their accommodation but, more seriously, if they have been abandoned then we are talking about a criminal offence."

Anyone with information on how Bob and Alice went missing is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0870 3335999.