National award for remarkable cat

Speedy senses Christine Payne's seizures

A cat that goes for help when her disabled owner suffers seizures has been rewarded with a national prize.

Two-year-old tabby Speedy, from Aldeburgh in Suffolk, has been named Rescue Cat of the Year 2008.

Speedy's owner Christine Payne, 19, suffers from epilepsy and progressive spinal ataxia. She also has severe learning difficulties.

As well as being a faithful companion, Speedy senses Miss Payne's seizures and alerts the teenager's parents.

The awards ceremony held at London's O2 arena by the charity Cat's Protection received more than 350 contenders for the title.

Actor Brian Blessed, one of the judges, said: "Speedy's love and compassion and deep appreciation of Christine's difficulties is truly astonishing and should be duly rewarded.

"May this amazing relationship last forever."