A LAST-MINUTE win at a cat show certainly left an 18-month-old rescue cat as the cat that got the cream.

Merlin was entered into the Fantastica Cat Club, run by The International Cat Association (TICA), by his owner Christine Cross of Celtic Cattery in Wigpool, Drybrook.

The competition, which is made up of six rings, is recognised worldwide for judging high class cats.

Destined for third and fourth place it was only when they were leaving Thornbury Leisure Centre that Merlin was announced as runner-up in the Best Household Pet ring.

Christine said: "It came as a huge shock when Merlin won his first ring. Merlin achieved best for Long Hair Household Pet, and in the first day ranked as Grand Master. Once the weekend was completed, a large rosette was awarded to the top three ranked cats for the whole show.

"I was about to go home, when all of a sudden I heard Merlin's name announced for an overall second best for household pets for the whole show, and I was completely astonished.

"We arrived at the show with no expectations, only to have fun. This award is not just for Merlin but all rescue cats who deserve a chance to shine.

"A big thank you goes to New Start Cat Rescue for playing such a vital role in rescuing and re-homing cats."

Christine adopted the moggy after falling smitten with his 'long black locks and his charming and laidback character'. Merlin started life abandoned on a railway track near Newport, where he was rescued and brought in to be re-homed by the Newent-based cat rescue charity.

Christine added: "It wasn't just me who could see how special Merlin is; many people who came to visit would comment on his beautiful nature.

"When I saw that there was a cat show for household pets I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to see how far he could get and represent all rescue cats out there."

New Start Cat Rescue is always looking for new owners and volunteers. For more information call 07510 134 805.