A weekly newspaper has paid out a reward offered for photographic evidence of a mysterious “big cat” seen on several occasions.

In a rare move for a newspaper, the Skegness Standard actually handed over reward cash to readers Sandy and Julie Richardson for their images of the beast that’s been wandering around the Lincolnshire Wolds.

As a result of the sighting, armed response police officers and a vet were called to the scene in a bid to capture the black panther-like creature.

The Standard reported how firefighters turned up with heat-seeking cameras to examine the locality at Hemingby, Lincs.

Neighbours were told to stay indoors during the drama, when it was thought the beast has claimed a new lair in the shape of the Richardsons’ caravan.

And although the cat was not found, hairs were later gathered and sent away for analysis that proved they were from a member of the big cat family.

The Skegness Standard’s story, headlined “The big cat DOES exist”, said it was “happy to hand over the £100 reward”.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]