Picture purrfect cats join an exotic breeds show at Tydd St Giles

It was a day for showing off feline friends with cat-itude when an exotic and Persian cat show was held for the 23rd year running in the Fens.

The purr-fect event attracted owners and their animals from across Britain with some travelling from as far afield as Manchester and Kent to join the exotic cat show at Tydd St Giles Community Centre.

Around 68 pedigree and household cats joined the event in a day that organisers said was a great success.

Barbara McEwen, of the Cottage Cattery in West Walton, show manager, said: “The quality of the cats was really high and our judges were all impressed.”

Overall winner of the show ,and of the exotic short hair category, was a red and white kitten called Jervo Rosso Bianco, from Retford.

CullyKhan Bellini, a tortoiseshell kitten from Yorkshire, won in the Persian category.

Best in show pedigree was a long haired black and white cat called Henry, from Retford.

In the household non pedigree pets category, a tabby called Charlie, from Welney, won.

Barbara and her husband Stuart have been breeding cats since 1979 and over the years have bred around 900.

Their greatest success was a cat called Penny Down Snow Pearl, the only British short hair tipped in the country to be an imperial grand champion and an imperial grand premier.