THE Black and White Cat Club held its 19th Championship Show in Cricklade's Town Hall on Saturday.

More than 50 pedigree and household cats were judged by a panel of experts, who then awarded medals and prizes to the majestic moggies who won best in their class, and best in show.

One cat at the show was out of competition and appeared purely for exhibition purposes - a 13-year-old Birman called Tamfur Imperial Grand Master Cat Bobby Dazzler.

Bobby's owner Sheila Mabey from Wroughton was proud of her puss.

She said: "This is his first time at exhibition, he retired last year after winning his imperial title.

"He came from Birman Rescue, I got him when he was four and then started showing him at six as a household pedigree pet.

"To get his first title, he had to win three classes at different shows, then get five wins each for the 'master' and 'grand master' and 'imperial' titles, so it took a while.

"There's a lot of travelling involved, which can be stressful for the pet and the owner and he can be a bit naughty sometimes because he doesn't like other cats.

"He likes being brushed and groomed, I think it's helped me bond with him.

"At home, he's just a regular cat, he sleeps all day,, goes out in the garden, eats his prawns.

"I'm very proud of him, especially considering that he's a rescue cat."

Show managers Stuart and Barbara McEwen oversaw the show.

Stuart said: "We had a queue at the door before it started and the place is pretty packed, which is really nice.

"This is the fourth year we've run a show here and the club have committee meetings in the room behind the hall."