THEATRE staff are hoping the story of an injured cat that turned up on their doorstep will have a happy ending.

The cat was found on Wednesday at the stage door of The Gala Theatre, in Durham City.

They gave the animal, which was injured after apparently being hit by a car, food and milk and then took it to a local vet.

An assistant at the Dunelm Veterinary Group, in Gillesgate, also works for the local Cat Protection League, which will care for the cat until its owner is found.

"It was obvious that the cat was in pain when we saw it in our yard,'' said a theatre spokesman. "It was very friendly, so we thought the right thing to was to take it to the vet."

A Cat Protection League spokeswoman said: "The cat, who we have called Gala, is a blue/grey with white legs and did have a collar but no name disc. It is a great shame the cat has come to us in this state as it is so friendly that it must be a pet."

Anyone with information about the cat or who wants to help other abandoned animals is asked to call The Cat Protection League, on 0191-386 8211 or (01429) 821500.