A PLUCKY pet, who lost one of her nine lives plus both her ears and half her tail in a fire is an 'Ultimate Survivor" entry in a national competition for rescued cats.

Smokey was in a bad way after her life was saved by a fireman last year. As a result the fur round her eyes was burnt off and she was put on a drip for two weeks.

However, despite her injuries, Smokey survived and and now lives with new owners, Aileen and Bob Northover, proprietors of the Regent Hotel, Springfield Road, Blackpool.

But the contented three-year-old cat has another problem. At nearly a stone in weight, Smokey has become far too fat.

"She doesn't get much exercise because, after her bad experience, she's too timid to go outside," says Aileen, who has put her pet's name forward for the award.

"Smokey needs an operation on her tail but the vet has said she has to lose weight first, so she's on a diet," says Aileen. "She's like a bar stool on legs."

This is the first year launch of the Cats Protection League Rescue Cat of the Year Award and nominations for the six categories are open until November 15. For further details tel 01403 221 919.