JOSH Harvey had given up all hope of ever seeing his beloved cat again.But an amazing six months after the pet went missing, the pair are today reunited.

JOSH Harvey had given up all hope of ever seeing his beloved cat again.

But an amazing six months after the pet went missing, the pair are today reunited.

The against-the-odds reunion came thanks to an article in The Evening Star, placed by a couple who had been caring for lost cat Paddy since he turned up at their door on Boxing Day.

But the tabby cat's whereabouts during the months leading up to then are still a mystery.

Josh, 12, of High Street, Sproughton, said: "About two weeks after he went missing I was convinced I was never going to see him again.

"He had never been out of the house for more than four days before and I don't know what he did for all that time.

"Since he's been back, he is just back to being normal, lovely Paddy.

"We've been playing together lots and I appreciate him more than I used to."

Paddy was found by Sally and Rob Edgley, also from Shotley, who found him at the Freston Boot pub.

It is believed someone else must have helped Paddy before then as he appeared well looked after and fed when they found him.

Josh's mum, Clare Kelly, said: "The cat just went out one day and never came back.

"Josh and his sister Ella put up posters but we never had any luck from them and had totally given up hope.

"There were plenty of tears.

"I never thought when I rang the number in The Evening Star it would be him. I just rang on the off chance.

"Paddy curled up and purred when he first went to Josh and he has lived in his arms ever since."

Do you have a remarkable story about your pet? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk