A CAT risked one of its nine lives today by climbing to the top of a telegraph pole.

It was being chased by a dog and took refuge at the top of the pole, but quickly found it had nowhere to go and didn't look like it was confident enough to come back down.

Concerned residents of Victoria Crescent, Ryde, rallied round to help and formed a shield of sheets below, should the cat fall.

Firefighters from Newport brought along an aerial ladder platform and rescued the cat from its precarious position.

A spokesperson from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said the cat was safe and well after the rescue.