Tom Cat, the feline who plays with dogs, drinks beer and is a friend to local fishermen, has been reunited with his grateful owner.

Mark Bewley, 59, of Fleming Street, Maryport, spent nine days searching for his beloved pet, the seven-month old Leon Coon cat who went missing on the harbour a week ago last Monday.

The cat has been his faithful companion ever since he got him at just eight weeks old.

“He is everywhere I am. He even comes to work with me when I am somewhere safe, without a busy road,” said Mr Bewley.

“If not, he stays with my friend Jean Nicholson and has become firm pals with her Patterdale terrier.”

He said the cat can often be seen walking with the terrier and he has become a firm favourite on the harbour.

“People have started bringing him treats. The fishermen love him and he is so friendly. I’ve even got a photo of him ‘enjoying’ (or stealing) a bit of beer at the Lifeboat Inn while I was working there,” he added.

Painter and decorator Mark said he was walking around the harbour near the fishermen’s co-op on Monday night when Tom starting yowling at him in greeting.

“He was sitting on the embankment wall where he often sits. I saw three women walking but they disappeared around the side of the wall. I could still see Tom. He was looking down and then suddenly disappeared.”

Mark believes the cat was stolen.

“He turned up in Workington, and would never have got there on his own. He was handed in to Millcroft Vets the day after everyone was sharing his story on social media and just after I put a post up saying I was going to the Times & Star. I think the people got scared.”

Whatever happened, Tom Cat is enjoying being back at Mark’s side.