Firefighters are well used to rescuing cats from trees - but a runaway IGUANA is believed to have been a first.

The slippery lizard called Spike managed to escape his cage after being put out in the garden so he could get some sun.

He was 30 feet up a tree in Greenwich before he was spotted.

Experts say that reptiles become extremely good escape artists after getting natural sunlight as they become energised as they warm up.

Jennie Campbell, who was looking after the mischievous two-year-old critter for her son - a Royal Marine Commando, said she and her husband tried all day and night to get Spike down from his lofty perch.

After 24 hours it was clear he had no interest in returning to more stable ground so the couple rang the RSPCA.

Kirstie Gilliard, an animal collection officer, saw Spike was so far up the tree that she rang the Fire Brigade for back-up.

She said: "The branch that Spike was on was very flimsy and wouldn't have held the weight of the ladder.

"So myself and the firefighters decided it was best to pitch the ladder against the trunk and cut the branch whilst holding a salvage sheet underneath.

"This worked very well and as the branch naturally lowered down I was able to catch Spike and return him to the family.

"He was then put back in his enclosure in the house so he could then warm up after his little adventure."

She added: "I would like to thank the firefighters for all their help.

"They were absolutely brilliant and I am so pleased it was a successful rescue.

"I've been called to many cats stuck up trees, but this is the first time I've had to help rescue an iguana from one."

Relieved Jennie added: "We are so grateful to the RSPCA and firefighters for rescuing Spike.

"We really didn't know what to do as we had tried everything to get him down, but he was too high up for us to reach.

"Luckily Spike's colouring is so striking that my husband was able to spot him in the tree, he really did have quite the adventure, but think he was glad to be back and able to warm up again under his heat lamp."

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Just like in this instance, the first thing to do should be to call the RSPCA if you see an animal in difficulty.

"If assistance from firefighters is required, the RSPCA will call us."