CAESAR the Siamese tom-cat from Colne was a perfect surrogate 'mother' for six orphaned kittens.

His caring nature even won him an award. But, tragically, before he could collect it he fell ill and had to be put down.

Judges, though, have decided that big-hearted Caesar should get the award posthumously. They've invited owners Howard and Emma Sykes to take two of the kittens to London to receive a trophy.

"We were devastated to lose Caesar," said Howard. "But this award is wonderful news. It is also a fitting tribute that the cats he helped save are now able to collect the award on his behalf."

Caesar was North West winner in the Arthurs awards run by the pet-food brand of the same name and Your Cat Magazine.

Judges were touched by the story of how the Sykes' other cat, Pandora, died a few weeks after giving birth to six beautiful kittens, leaving the elderly Caesar to cope.

"He had been an excellent baby sitter, but when Pandora died, he took over completely," said Howard.

"He spent all his time with the kittens, teaching them to use the litter tray, washing them and, most remarkably, letting them suckle. Despite getting no milk, all six kittens would latch on, purring and pawing blissfully, while poor Caesar lost all the fur on his tummy."

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