A CAT that lost one of its nine lives when it was rescued after a road accident is today looking for a new home.

Named Puddle by staff at Stanley House vets, in Albert Road, Colne, the injured tom cat was carried into the surgery by a man who found him lying in the gutter.

Puddle suffered serious chest injuries and hurt one of his legs in the accident but after a week of tender loving care by devoted vets, the moggy has been taken to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary where he is now waiting for a new home. Animal lover Moira Thwaites, of Nelson, was in the vets with her own cat when Puddle was brought in and said she has tried in vain for the last week to find his previous owners.

She said: "He was so scared and frightened with all the traffic when he was brought in but the vets have been brilliant with him."

Vet nurse Kathryn Windle said Puddle was doing much better and looking forward to a new home: "He is much better now and has really come out of himself. He seems to have had a personality change since he was brought into us."

Puddle is tabby and white, about three years old and has been neutered. Anybody wanting to offer him or any other animal at Bleakholt a home they should contact the shelter on 01706 822577.