A MYSTERIOUS big cat has been spotted roaming in North Yorkshire by a couple returning from their summer holiday.

Tony and Jane Wootton were driving home to Thornton-le-Dale at 3.30am on Monday morning, when they spotted what looked like a puma near the Pottery Nurseries at nearby High Marishes.

"We went round a sharp bend and saw it in the verge," explained Mr Wootton, who was on his way back from France.

"It was clear enough for me and my wife to notice it. It was black and about the size of a large dog," he added.

Mr Wootton reported the sighting to police. There were no other reports of big cats in the area on Monday morning, but such reports are not uncommon say police.

"They come up every few weeks," said police spokesperson Tony Lidgate.

"On this occasion they did the right thing. They saw a big cat and reported it to the police," he added.

Local farmer and big cat enthusiast Ken Harrison said: "I get a report from somebody once a fortnight around this district"

Updated: 12:38 Tuesday, March 08, 2005