Despite the best efforts of veterinary staff, the chipmunk found at St Mary’s Primary School in Ashford has died.

Chip the female chipmunk, pictured, was found in the playground during the lunchtime break at the school in Western Avenue on Tuesday last week.

The animal was caught by teaching assistant Vikki Kirby in a jacket and taken to Barrow Hill Veterinary Hospital in Maidstone Road, Ashford.

The chipmunk, which is native to North America and has stripes on its back, was described as being scared but in perfect health.

Head nurse Katie Mackintosh said: “We sent her off to a guy who cares for homeless chipmunks.

“Unfortunately, although we found Chip’s owner, she died the next day. These little rodents just don’t handle stress and change well.”