A SICK stray cat who spent a year living under the Wyvern Theatre bridge and being cared for by a homeless man has found a loving new home.

Ginger tom Bert, who is 14 years old, has happily settled into his forever home in Hereford, a few months after he was rescued from life on the streets.

Kind Terry Powles, who has since moved into a new home, kept the friendly feline fed and watered when he found him as a stray last year. Bert, then called Ginge, would sleep on Terry’s chest each night and nudge him awake with his paw at 7am every morning

But due to concerns for Bert’s declining health, including the loss of his eyesight, volunteers for local cat rescues intervened, with Terry making the heart-breaking decision to part with his companion to give him a better life.

Claire Hill, from Highworth, was one of the volunteers who rescued the plucky stray.

“He’s a special one for a few of us. From meeting him for the first time living behind a grotty bit of boarding under the bridge to lots of vet trips and bills. He’s now a fighting fit lad just starting his happy retirement and it really does make our jobs worthwhile,” she said.

“Terry did what he could but Bert needed special care and veterinary treatment. His fosterer has worked wonders with him, he’s getting on well with her two other cats and he’s enjoying his food. He’s a right chunky monkey now.”

When Bert was first taken in tests showed he had high blood pressure which caused him to go blind, a urine infection and possible kidney issues and needed urgent and regular treatment.

Members of the public raised hundreds of pounds to pay for his care while he was in foster care.

Bert’s original owner, who now lives in Portsmouth, had left Bert with a friend when he went away but the curious cat had gone missing. Due to a change in circumstances his owner was unable to take Bert back.

And Bert showed that he still has a place in his heart for Terry who regularly visited him when he was in his foster home.

Thanks to tender loving care Bert is now enjoying a happy retirement with plenty of treats and relaxing naps on the bed and sofa.

“He’s doing great really settled in. He’s come out of his shell already and is enjoying having the home comforts that he didn’t have before. It must be a luxury for him being able to sleep on a sofa and on a bed in the warm, he’s such a survivor” said Claire.

“Thank you to everyone who donated and gave Bert a future. He wouldn’t have lasted much longer on the streets so I am so grateful.”