The RSPCA is appealing to people to show compassion towards animals after an unwanted mouse was discovered dumped in a plastic box.

The tiny mammal was left in a lidded plastic box, which also contained food and toys in a bag, on a quiet track with no through access in Chilton Trinity, near Bridgwater, in Somerset.

"This poor mouse was left very vulnerable and would never have survived in the wild, especially not with the cold weather we've been seeing recently.

The mouse, who was found by a passerby at around 9am on Thursday, 2 December, has now been taken to an RSPCA rescue centre where she'll soon be available for adoption.

Ali added: "There were 1,018 reports of abandoned animals last December, including 22 here in Somerset. As we were in lockdown last year, we expect these figures to rise this Christmas. We're asking people to Join the Rescue this Christmas to help bring animals to safety this festive season.

" Our rescue teams will be out in all weathers this winter, rescuing animals from abuse, neglect and suffering. To Join the Christmas Rescue and help our rescuers be there for the animals in need, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/rescuexmas