Four kittens had a lucky escape when they were brought into animal shelter, after they were left abandoned by the roadside.

The eight-week old youngsters were taken in by staff at the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Brands Hatch centre, after being found in a box.

The kittens were found in a cardboard box by a family who spotted them beside some bins outside a block of flats in Ilford, East London.

Their rescues brought them into Battersea centre in Crowhurst Lane, Ash, and staff named the three girls and one boy, Gina, Gwen, Grace and George.

Upon arrival, the staff at Brands Hatch gave the tiny youngsters a check-up.

Luckily, they’d clearly not been abandoned for long, as all of them were in good health and even feeling quite playful.

The foursome spent a few weeks recuperating from their ordeal in a foster home before they went to new, loving homes last week.

Rehoming and welfare manager, Michelle Bevan at Battersea Brands Hatch, said: “These beautiful little kittens were lucky they were found and brought in.

"Fortunately, they were found quickly, and this tale has had a happy ending - but it could easily have been a different story.

"We would always recommend anyone who is unable to look after their pets to bring them into their local rescue centre.

"Here at Battersea Brands Hatch we never judge anyone for bringing their animal in.

"This makes it a lot easier and quicker to find a new home for the animals.”

The Battersea Brands Hatch cattery is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

The Kent centre’s cattery provides care for more than 260 cats and kittens which arrive every year, providing warm shelter, food and water and - of course - love from staff and volunteers.

Gina, Gwen, Grace and George may have found homes already, but there are many more cats who are looking for a new home. If you are interested in rehoming one, click here.