A PRESTON cat show proved to be a purr-fect fund-raiser for a local animal rescue group.

The area's branch of the Cats Protection League raised around £1,000 for the group with their seventh annual cat show on Saturday.

The event, held at Penwortham Leisure Centre, attracted around 500 visitors, and the owners of magnificent moggies were thrilled to see their pets win plenty of prizes.

Handsome tabby cat Thomas, owned by Rachel Moss, of Preston, scooped the Overall Winner title, plus first place in the Best Short Hair category.

Holly and Cecilia Baxters' stunning Miss Puzzle let her hair down and won the Best Long Hair category, while the Best Kitten title was netted by ginger-haired Bongo. The visitors' votes went to silver tabby kitten Prince Caspian, owned by Victoria Jackson. Jeannette Greaves, the CPL Preston's public relations officer, said: "We raised a lot of money to help us fund more cat rescues in the area.

"We were very impressed by the number of visitors."

Jeannette added: "The competition is always a good springboard for winning cats, who will be entered into more contests. Thomas the tabby is particularly confident in competitions and his owner Rachel has already had many successes in regional contests."

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