Popular school cat up for award

Cilla the cat "hangs out" with pupils in classrooms at Outwoods Primary School

A cat which has been helping anxious pupils at a primary school has been named a finalist in this year's National Cat Awards.

Cilla, 12, lives at Outwoods Primary School in Atherstone, Warwickshire, after first appearing on the site as a hungry stray about six years ago.

The domestic shorthair is up for the Cat of the Year award at the event later, which has been organised by the charity Cats Protection.

Head teacher Sally Taylor previously said Cilla had a "calming" presence and "hangs out" with pupils in classrooms, during their breaks and on football pitches.

Cilla wandered on to the school site as a stray about six years ago

Among other benefits, Cilla - short for Priscilla Outwoods - supports Year 6 pupils before and after their Sats (Standard Assessment Tests).

She has been nominated in the Connected Cats category at the awards, which aims to celebrate community cats which "bring joy and happiness" to everyday lives.

The feline, which has more than 25,000 followers on X, currently has six beds across the building, including two in the library.

"She just wanders in and out of classrooms," Ms Taylor said.

"[Cilla] walks on tables and [in] assembly she sits next to different children and just wants strokes and cuddles all day."

The winners of the National Cat Awards are set to be announced at a ceremony in London.

Other nominees include a cat which helps supports women who have been trafficked.