Two black cats who spent nearly a year at a North Yorkshire rescue centre have both struck lucky and found their forever homes.

Flash and Archie were rescued by the RSPCA's Great Ayton Animal Centre last September, and spent nearly more than 10 months there without being adopted.

The cats were found in a neglected state at a property in County Durham, together with eight other cats, living in poor conditions. The efforts of the centre's staff and volunteers allowed both Flash and Archie to trust humans again.

Now both have been adopted - with Flash being rehomed in Thirsk, while Archie found his forever home in Darlington. 

(Image: RSPCA)

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "We're so grateful to everyone who read and shared Flash and Archie's story, which resulted in both cats finding wonderful new homes. 

"We'd urge anyone who is thinking of welcoming a feline friend into their family to consider adopting. Great Ayton has many more cats who are also waiting for a second chance."

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Black cats like Flash and Archie often face longer stays at rescue centres, as they are frequently overlooked in favour of more 'popular' grey tabby cats.

Research by the RSPCA suggests it typically takes 29 days to rehome a black cat, compared to the nine days it takes to home their grey counterparts.

Many myths exist around black cats - including whether they are lucky, or unlucky.

It is also claimed they are harder to photograph for social media which sadly could be the cause of so many black cats being overlooked at RSPCA centres by adopters.

Dominika Jagoda, RSPCA pet welfare expert, said: “The truth is that black cats won’t bring you bad luck - but they do need forever homes! The colour of an animal’s fur makes no difference to how much love they have to give."