A Tabby cat from Battersea stepped from the streets and into the limelight this week when he entered his new home - Number 10 Downing Street.

Short-haired feline Larry found himself the subject of a real rags to riches tale, having started the New Year as an unwanted and neglected stray on the streets of London.

But now this cat really does have the cream - as he was adopted by David Cameron and his staff to roam the rooms of one of the most famous homes in the world.

He was chosen ahead of scores of others at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home - and it is thought he will become the scourge of the notorious Number 10 rat, which has been spotted twice in recent live TV news reports.

Battersea’s chief executive Claire Horton said: “Larry is a fantastic cat and I’m sure he’ll do the charity proud in his new home and hopefully keep the rats at bay.”

Rehomer, Sui-Li Stenhouse, who played a key part in the whole rehoming process with Number 10, added: “10 Downing Street really is a cat’s dream, as there are lots of places to explore, so I am confident Larry will enjoy living there and do a great job.”

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