Get a big orange cat!

OWNER'S ADVICE AS PET WHO HELPED HER IMPROVE HER MENTAL HEALTH IS UP FOR TOP AWARD

- PAUL BRITTON

MARMADUKE is a huge lover of big hugs and cuddles.

But for his besotted owner, they serve a purpose far higher than just simple companionship.

Janice Cheetham, 64, was working for North West Ambulance Service as an emergency medical technician at Manchester Arena on the night of the May 2017 terrorist attack.

The atrocity claimed the lives of 22 people and left hundreds more injured, but the bombing affected her more in the immediate aftermath and over the years following it.

Janice, from Norden in Rochdale, admits she fell into a 'deep depression' after the incident.

But all that began to change when Marmaduke held out a paw and rolled over for a tummy tickle in front of Janice at an animal rescue shelter.

Now the 'big ginger cat' has a chance of landing a top national award, with other heroic pets, as finalists in this year's National Cat Awards.