SWINDON and Cricklade Railway cat Garfield is due to return to the vet today for further tests.

The ginger moggy, who usually stations himself on the platform at Hayes Knoll to welcome passengers, has been undergoing treatment for a mystery lump on his head and bleeding nose.

So far friends and supporters have raised more than £795 towards the cost, which is expected to pass £1,300.

Adrian Thompson of the Friends of Swindon and Cricklade Railway Facebook page said Garfield was going in today for two nights.

He will have a general anaesthetic to allow the vet to perform and endoscopy and a biopsy.

“Hopefully once he has had all the new tests done and we get the results back we will be able to find out why he is feeling under the weather.”

He added: “Garfield is feeling guilty at having all these extra days off sick and feels he is letting down the side. We all send Garfield our love and look forward to seeing him back at his duties very soon.”

The friendly feline was on hand over the bank holiday weekend to greet visitors to the volunteer-run heritage railway and the hope is that he will be back in his favourite place by the weekend.

Garfield is the only salaried member of staff at the railway, but because it is a charity funded by donations, there is little money spare to pay large vet bills.

His home is the engine shed and has no post code, making him ineligible for pet insurance.

Found as an abandoned kitten, he was adopted by the volunteers more than 10 years ago. He now spends his time supervising their work, greeting the public and occasionally taking a train ride down to Blunsdon Station.

To contribute to the veterinary costs visit gofundme.com/garfield-the-railway-cat or visit the railway at the weekend.