BLACK cats are renowned for bringing good luck. And Poppy must have an abundance of good fortune because she was returned to her owners who had given her up for dead six months ago.

The Wootton Bassett branch of Cats Protection traced Steve Blackwell, 47, and Kate Parry, 37, through a microchip implanted in Poppy, who had been rescued by the charity.

"We were ecstatic when Poppy was found. I couldn't believe it and just cried my eyes out." Kate said.

"We were devastated when Poppy disappeared. I felt particularly bad because I had bought her as a present for Steve."

The couple, who live in Glebe Road, have no idea where Poppy has been since last August and Kate reckons her pet has used up a number of its nine lives to stay safe.