AS a kitten, Alfred was used as bait by youths who wanted to feed him to their dogs.

Now aged three-and-a-half, the tabby and white pet is basking in the glory of becoming a champion at the Supreme Cat Show, in Birmingham.

His Spennymoor owner, Pat Kidd, who has been showing and breeding cats for 26 years, is delighted with his performance but life for Alfie could have been so different.

She said: "I got him three years ago from the Durham and District Cats Protection League. He was rescued after someone saw youths using him as dog bait.

"I dread to think what would have happened if that person had not stepped in when they did. He would have been torn to shreds."

Alfie is quite a character and oozes confidence, and it is his personality that has won judges over in various shows.

This led him eventually to what is affectionately known as the cat world's equivalent to Crufts, where he was named Whiskas Non-Pedigree Household Cat for 2001.

Ironically, part of the prize was vouchers for Whiskas cat food, which Alfie does not eat.

Mrs Kidd said: "He prefers another brand. He will eat it sometimes, but not often.''

Sixty non-pedigree cats competed for the title in five classes. After beating off stiff competition in his class, Alfie then went on to victory as supreme champion.

Mrs Kidd said: "It's a very very special award - one we never thought we would get. He had a rough start in life but he has come into a good home and his problems as a kitten are behind him."