Sandra Stuteley (62), from Orton Malborne, discovered a number of distinctive markings on trees near Wansford, north-west of Peterborough, last week.

She believes it could provide evidence that the legendary "Beast of Bretton" is on the move, after a number of sightings away from its former home.

Mrs Stuteley said that she was convinced that the markings could only have been made by a large cat.

She said: "I can't imagine any other wildlife in the country making these markings.

"They are close to a waterhole, in a deserted piece of land, which would be perfect conditions for the cat to live.

"The markings looked very fresh, so I think it is alive and well."

Mrs Stuteley said she was even more sure of the cat's existence after spotting a suspicious creature years earlier.

She said: "I saw a big cat four or five years ago on the way to Stamford.

"It was a large, black creature followed by a baby one.

It was definitely a cat – you could tell by the way it was moving.

"I couldn't get to my camera quick enough, but by the time I got to a vantage point, they were gone.

"I would give anything to get a picture of it."