A St Annes cat which has shown courage and strength to keep going despite a serious illness has been voted one of Britain's top pets.

Charlie, who lives with owners Christine and John Ashton on South Moss Road was runner up in the Kitzyme Purrrfect Cat of the Year Awards after a natiowide search.

Christine and John nominated their much loved pet after he survived the very rare disease cerebella hyperplasia.

The disease means that Charlie has lost the use of his back legs and so uses a specially designed feline wheelchair to get around.

Charlie's very own puss chair' enables him to run round the garden, chase birds, in fact everything a normal cat can do, bar climbing trees.

At just seven-weeks-old, Charlie lost his balance in his back legs due to Cerebella Hyperplasia, but now aged three, he is thriving and uses the chair for up to 90 minutes at a time Christine said: "He is such a playful cat and doesn't let anything stop him, he is the most intelligent cat we have ever met probably due to the amount of attention he receives and all the new experiences he has, he is the light of our lives.

"He is able to get out of the chair at any time but he really seems to enjoy it and it has definitely enhanced his life."

Charlie has become an animal welfare campaigner in his own right and has accompanied Christine to talks in schools and other groups.

She said: "I'm involved in St Annes Cat Rescue and we have used Charlie to help highlight the need for vaccinations. His condition could have been prevented by a cheap and readily available injection to his mother."

Christine and John received £100 Argos vouchers and a selection of healthcare products for Charlie.

Christine said she plans to use the money to buy a webcam so that Charlie can publicise his message of courage further afield.

Any school or group which would like a visit from Charlie and Christine can contact her on 07981 108136.