Life-saving cat wins national title

Barney saved his owners during a fire at their home

A cat from Wrexham has been crowned one of the bravest animals in the UK at a national awards ceremony, after saving the lives of his owners during a fire.

Six-year-old Barney woke the Davies family in Gwersyllt when their kitchen cooker caught fire in August last year.

Barney is such a special cat, he saved us and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him

Gerald Davies, Barney's owner

On Thursday, Barney won the most incredible story award at a ceremony in London held by the Cats Protection League.

Proud owner Gerald Davies said that the accolade was amazing.

"It's come as a shock to be honest - we're on a high," he said.

"I've not come down to earth - we've had a lovely plaque which was presented to us by Michael Fish.

"Barney is such a special cat, he saved us and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him.

"He is a special cat, he's 200 miles away in Wrexham but I think he knows what's going on," he added.

Mr Davies, his wife and his 23-year-old son were alerted to the fire in the house when Barney raced upstairs and made lots of noise.

Special animal

Barney beat six other cats in the competition, which had received entries from hundreds of proud owners.

The smoke was dangerous and there were fumes from the plastic

Gerald Davies, Barney's owner

Mr Davies said the black cat, who has lived with them since he was left to fend for himself by his previous owners, was already special to them.

Recalling the incident last year, the 56-year-old said the family were lucky that Barney was nearby on the night of the fire.

"There had been an electrical fault on the cooker and the house was filled with smoke," he said.

"Normally he doesn't go upstairs but he went up that day and was making a loud noise.

"The smoke was dangerous and there were fumes from the plastic," he added.

The family had only moved into their new home six days previously but Barney found his way to Mr Davies' son's room to wake him.

When he put the light on he found the house full of smoke and he was able to telephone the fire brigade.