Cat lover Jack Howard believes he has the oldest feline in Swindon.

At 26, Micky has outlived most of the other pets in his neighbourhood and has only visited the vet once to be neutered.

Micky therefore beats 22-year-old Pippa for the title of Swindon's oldest cat. Pippa is owned by Cecilia Watkins, from Nythe, and was featured in yesterday's Evening Advertiser.

Jack, 77, from Penhill, says he must be doing something right because his previous pet cat, Muffin, also defied the odds by making it to his 19th birthday.

Micky was rescued by Jack's granddaughter, Sara, from a coal bunker in Penhill where he had been dumped as a kitten.

He and Muffin were good friends for about three years until Muffin died. Micky has kept Jack company ever since.

"It's a remarkable old age and I hope he keeps going for quite a while yet," said Jack.

"He's been marvellous company since my wife, Grace, died four years ago. When I sit down he jumps up on my lap and when I go to bed, he curls up with me.

"I can't explain why he's lived so long I've just always made sure my pets have been properly cared for.

"I make sure he's well fed.

"He'll eat tinned stuff if there's nothing else going, but he likes fresh meat such as diced pork and chicken, and he likes a lot of liver.

"He's very pampered. He goes outside first thing in the morning and lets everybody know he's out, especially all the other moggies in the area.

"He's boss of the complex of bungalows where we live!"

Cecilia Watkins, from Nythe, puts 22-year-old Pippa's longevity down to her daily diet.

"I don't feed her or Mandy on cat food," said Mrs Watkins. "She has sardines or pilchards mixed with porridge oats and a few treats when we are eating something special.

"It seems to have done the trick."