PENZANCE Leisure Centre, Cornwall Council and schools around Penzance have always been a local home for Dave the cat over the past 13 years.

Dave has become a superstar in the community and often spends more time out and about than at home.

On August 22 Dave was accidentally hit by a car when chasing after a mouse.

He needed an operation to remove a piece of bone from the top of his leg. The operation went well, but later Dave developed an infection. In total this cost his family more than £1,000 in vet bills.

The leisure centre set up a Just Giving page and the community responded by raising more than £400 online and with a donation box at the centre.

Rees Brown, marketing manager at Penzance Leisure centre, said: “We are just glad we was able to support the family. The response from our staff and customers has been phenomenal. We hope to have Dave messing up our reception desk again very soon.”

Dave is now on the mend and, although feeling a little sorry for himself, is now up and moving around, eager to go outside.

If you would like to support the family or find out more please contact the centre on 01736 874 744 or visit the donation page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/davethecat