Buxton the Whitstable cat who set sail with his owners on a sea voyage around Britain has been reunited with his owners after going missing.

The 10-year-old British blue shorthair joined owners Steve and Helena Neal, of Chestfield, on the 2,000-mile voyage to raise money for Pilgrims Hospice.

The couple have already donated £1,200 to the charity and are hoping to raise more through sponsorship for Buxton.

But the cat was reported missing after leaving the boat in Scottish port town Lossiemouth last Thursday.

Information appealing for his return was posted on Buxton's Twitter feed @CaptainBuxton and his details were also included on the Scottish RSPCA Facebook page.

Yesterday, Mr Neal said he had a call on Wednesday afternoon from a couple who said they had seen a cat in their kitchen very similar to Buxton.

After a conversation the couple agreed to drive 75 miles to Loch Ness to return Buxton to his owners where he was given a welcome home lunch.

Steve said: "He has lost a little weight, and was looking a bit sorry for himself but has settled straight back into his routine of eating and drinking before snoozing under the saloon table, and occasionally looking around the boat to see what’s going on."

You can follow Buxton’s progress on Twitter via his own feed @CaptainBuxton. Anyone wishing to support Buxton can do so via www.just giving.com/sailingyachtamalia