HOMES are being sought for two "lucky" black kittens after their mother befriended a Bury family.

After the Helliwell family began to feed a starving stray cat, which they called Cilla, they took her to the Tottington-based Pets in Need sanctuary.

A vet revealed the cat had recently given birth but assumed the kittens were most likely to have died, having been parted from their mother for so long.

After the family returned Cilla to their home in Retford Close, the cat later left the property but came back for food.

She then turned up on the doorstep with two black kittens which had survived for three nights without their mother. The family managed to get hold of one kitten, however, the other scampered off.

Selina Helliwell said: "The weekend weather was terrible, gales and cold lashings of rain. We despaired, still looking for the second kitten, but losing hope as the weather continued to worsen.

"But once more, Cilla proved herself to be the kitty 'mother of the year' and had hidden her second kitten in our garage, where she had been feeding her for four days. Cilla has been neutered and is an adorable black beauty. Her babies are two miniature versions of her, with big, beautiful eyes. All are looking for their new home.

"The kittens, who are both girls, need a cat lover who can take good care of them and ease their tiny nerves, as they are still very timid. They've had a very rough start to life and desperately need a good home."

Anyone who would like to offer the kittens, or any other cats, a home can call Dorothy Maden at Pets In Need on 0120488 3846.