HUNDREDS of exhibitors showed off more than 300 of their feline friends at a prestigious competition on Saturday.

Perdiswell Leisure Centre was the venue for the cat show, which attracted hundreds of visitors.

The 302 cats on show included a variety of breeds including Persians, Rag Dolls, Tabbys, Siamese, and Sphynxs.

Three cat clubs, Midland Counties, Central Longhair and Semi-Longhair Cat Club and Progressive Ragdoll Breed Cat Club joined forces to hold their shows at the event.

Judges from the clubs went round inspecting the cats, and awarding rosettes in various categories.

Show manager Jean Huyton explained that the Midland Counties history stretched back more than 100 years, and this was the first time the three established clubs had held a show together.

“People come from up and down the country, and exhibitors challenge for each club’s best in show.”

Eileen Fryer, from Central Longhair, said: “It is a brilliant venue - exhibitors really like it.

“I think there have been hundreds (of visitors) here, there seem to be a lot of people.

“It has been a success - there are lots of stall too.”

Among those holding stalls at the event were Royal Canin, R&L Pet Products, Bengul Cat World, Crystal Clear Pet Products, Brit Pet and Fat White Cat Studios.

Stallholder Annabell Dennis, from Vitalin pet food said: “This is our first time here.

“Everybody has been really friendly, it is a good atmosphere.”

Fundraiser Mark Bowman, on the Cat Protection charity’s stall, said he goes to similar shows all over the country and was impressed by the Worcester event, and venue.

“It is a very good turn out, it has been well publicised.

“We have had people showing an interest in our stall, which is great for the charity.”

Exhibitor Jenny Veal, from Astwood Bank, brought along her two Birman cats, Charlie and Ella, and was thrilled with her best in show rosettes.

“There is a lot of preparation for exhibitors, blow drying them and grooming them before we arrive.

“I see familiar faces at these shows, there is a little Birmin community.

“This is quite a big event for this area.”