TRISH Howarth is cat mad! Tibby, Oscar and Mitzi are the love of her life after husband, John.

She loves them so much that the Lowton couple have opened a store for them - and the thousands of other cats and their owners.

Mad About Cats is in the Royal Arcade at the heart of Wigan's shopping centre.

And it has everything for the cat fanatic...from high quality collectables to handmade luxury cushions and beautiful glass paintings, pen holders and hand-painted mugs.

Trish and John brought their store idea back from a holiday in America.

"We are the only store dedicated to cats in this area," said Trish.

Together with John - a cat convert - and dad Gerry Coan, Trish started two years ago to create a range of products for cat-lovers and their cats. They sold successfully at craft fairs.

"So we decided to open the shop adding other cat goods from around the country and America.

"My aim now is to provide cards and gifts with a difference and to support local crafts-people by using them as suppliers."

Trish is a staunch supporter of the Cats Protection League.

"One of our cats came from the local branch.

"I was impressed with their dedication and hard work of the CPL fosterers who find new homes for hundreds of cats every year.'

Other family member have adopted cats from the CPL.

"They are all very loving, pampered cats who have become important members of our families."

Now they are putting together a mail order catalogue and hope to have their own website up and running by the end of year.

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