Downing Street's most famous furry resident has helped to boost the popularity of cats among potential pet owners.

Larry was rehomed at Number 10 on February 15 last year by animal charity Battersea Dogs And Cats Home.

Since settling into his famous new address the charity, which cares for lost or abandoned pets until they find new homes, has seen an increase in people wanting to adopt a cat.

Last year Battersea saw a 15 per cent jump in the number of people adopting cats with 2,500 lucky felines finding new owners.

Claire Horton, Battersea's chief executive, said: "Many people still think Battersea is just a dogs' home but in actual fact we've been helping cats for over 125 years.

"Rehoming a Battersea cat to such a world famous residence has helped put Battersea firmly on the map as a cats home too.

"We've noticed a massive increase in the number of people coming to Battersea to adopt a cat, which is great for us and our feline residents."

Since undertaking his official mouse-catching duties Larry has met world leaders including US President Barack Obama and released his own tell-all book entitled the Larry Diaries: Downing Street - the First 100 Days.

The charity is hoping that following Larry's success story more people will be tempted to provide homes for some of the 2,700 lost and unwanted cats it took in last year.

To adopt a cat or for more information visit battersea.org.uk or call 0207 6279234 or email cat.rehoming@battersea.org.uk.