A LOVABLE kitten who was dumped in a plastic bin liner in Bolton has become the star of a major RSPCA campaign.

Little Stevie was just eight-weeks-old when he was found with his 18-month-old mother, abandoned in the gutter of a Farnworth street.

A passer-by discovered the pair when the bin bag, left in St Germain Street, in July 2003, started moving.

Animal welfare charity, the RSPCA were able to find a new home for cute Stevie - named after singer Stevie Wonder - after the story of his plight appeared alongside a picture of him, with a bandaged broken leg, in the Bolton Evening News.

And now the image of the ginger kitten has appeared on thousands of appeal envelopes distributed nationwide by the RSPCA to potential donators.

RSPCA spokesman, Chris Pitt, said: "Stevie was chosen because of his great story and lovely picture which is very appealing to people. He has been used extensively in marketing materials across the country."

At nine months old Stevie was given a home in Churchtown, Southport, by The Sun journalist, Bernard Ashton, in February 2004.

And his new-owner reported at the time that the mischievous cat was settling in perfectly, enjoying his food and play-fighting with the family's other kitten, Charlie.

Stevie's mother, Germain - who was named after the street in which she was found - was also re-homed, in Great Lever.

Kathy Kay, of Bolton RSPCA, said: "The last time we spoke with Stevie's owner he was still delighted with his pet.

"This was a sad case so it's lovely to hear of happy endings - it's the most fulfilling part of our job."