Vangelis - the Greek kitten rescued by Manx couple

A dehydrated and starving kitten - abandoned on a Greek beach has found its 'forever home', thanks to a Manx couple.

Husband and wife Derek and Claire Allen were travelling in their motorhome across the Greek Island 'Evia' this summer when they stumbled across an unexpected visitor.

A little tabby came bounding over to them while they watched the sunset on a beach - Derek said that the kitten appeared ’starving, panting and dehydrated’.

With temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, Derek believed without intervention the 4-week-old kitten would have certainly died.

Earlier this year, the entire northern area of Evia was engulfed in wild fires - thousands of acres of forest, bushes and farmland were burnt, homes and whole villages were destroyed and more than 2,500 local residents were evacuated.

Derek asked a few people nearby if the kitten belonged to someone, but to no avail - Derek said the couple 'simply couldn't' leave him behind, and just like that - they had a new travel buddy.

They named him "Vangelis" - after an elderly man they befriended whilst in Greece, the name also derives from the ancient Greek word "Evangelos" - which means "Messenger who brings good news" - which Derek thought was fitting!

Derek says Vangelis is a 'good little traveller' and wasn't affected by the engine, traffic or noise - having travelled 5,400km with the couple!

The couple's travel blog "Rocking Life on the Road" which tells the tales of their travels (and of course features Vangelis) has more than 5,000 followers, some posts about Vangelis have reached more than 80,000 people.

The story has blown up on social media and he's appeared in UK websites, even featuring on Italian newspaper "La Stampa"  -  the couple has received thousands of comments about him and continues to do so.

The couple believe his story is so popular because it brings joy to many - particularly after the hardships of last 18 months.

After more months of travelling - journeys throughout Greece, Italy, France and England - it was time to sort his chip, vaccines & EU passport so he could finally come home.

We spoke to Derek, to find out how Vangelis is settling in:

Vangelis when he was first found at just four weeks old.

Vangelis at his passport check!

A happy Vangelis on the Isle of Man!

You can listen to the full interview with Derek here: