Two years ago, the Express first wrote about Charlie – who has his own special walking frame to support him.

The cat is in the care of Christine Ashton, of Cat Rescue Blackpool Wyre and Fylde.

Christine had decided to ask for a respite carer for him to help look after Charlie and appealed through the Express.

"As a result, we found a lovely young couple," she said. "They have since married and acquired a dog, so can't have Charlie any more.

"I expect to have to have an operation on my hand shortly, so will be unable to do some of the day-to-day care Charlie needs."

Christine is looking for a special person who could provide respite care for Charlie on this occasion – and in future to give her a short break – to come forward. Anyone who could also help other "carers" by giving respite care to a cat is also asked to reply.

"Certainly, for the emergency help, the carers would need to be local to St Annes to get here," Christine added.

"Charlie needs to sit on your knee while being fed. Sometimes he falls into his toilet so needs a wipe down with baby wipes and sometimes he needs a bath – in the sink and then drying with hairdryer. He is fit well and happy – he just can't balance on his own.

"We also are looking for fosterers for the occasional cat who just can't stand being in the cattery, the cat who needs 'TLC' before being rehomed."

Charlie "talks" to schools, hospitals, care homes, adult groups like the Women's Institute, Brownies and Guides. His first visit of 2008 is to the Rainbows and Brownies at St Paul's in May.