A CHAMPION cat born and raised in Worcester will meet his adoring fans tomorrow.

Valisa Bertie Bassett, better known as Bertie, is a much-loved pet as well as a pedigree show cat.

The playful puss - a Singapura - is smaller than the usual domestic cat but just as mischievous.

His owners Phil and Katie Lettley, of Worcester, said breeding pedigree cats, and Bertie, becoming such a success has given them strength to battle illnesses.

Mrs Lettley, aged 60, said: "I had a small stroke just over two years ago and Phil is off work with a heart problem. The cats give us something back.

"There's a lot Phil can't do anymore, things he used to love, but we can still enjoy the cats.

"He has really worked hard with them. They are his pride and joy."

The Singapura is a rare breed originally from Singapore, and is not very common in the UK.

Mrs Lettley said the waiting list for kittens is ever growing. She said: "They don't have big litters. They will have two or three kittens at the most.

"The furthest one of ours has gone is the French Alps. We've also got them in Scotland, Devon, Bristol."

Bertie was once destined for America but the sale fell through and the friendly feline was adopted by Mr Lettley, aged 62.

He said: "He's very friendly and snuggles up to your neck, whether he likes your perfume I don't know.

"We had an enquiry from America but nothing ever came from it. So we thought we'd keep him and show him.

"I didn't think he'd do so well up against some impressive cats."

However his huge eyes and smart markings won the judges over time and again. He became the first ever Singapura grand champion in 2005.

He will compete at the Central Longhaired Cat Club show at Nunnery Wood Sports Complex, Spetchley Road, tomorrow.

Longhaired cats from all over the country will be competing for titles such as Imperial cat and there will be lots of kittens at the start their show careers.

Doors open to members of public at noon and entrance costs £1.50.

For more information call show manager Marion Pearson on 01527 872766.