A PANTOMIME cat was enlisted to help launch a new microchipping service for felines.

Dick Whittington's cat Tommy, from this year's pantomime at Middlesbrough Theatre, joined Middlesbrough Borough Council's commissioner for the environment, Councillor Oliver Johnson, and public protection and planning service officers for Thursday's launch.

The system allows owners to keep tabs on their pets by placing a tiny microchip in the loose skin on the back of their necks.

The insertion is painless, and the chip transmits a signal that can be read with a scanner to identify the cat's home address.

Owners will be charged a one-off payment of £10 per pet for the service, which is aimed at reducing the number of strays. A reduced fee of £7 will be charged for cat owners on low incomes or benefits.

The scheme was devised after a similar dog microchipping service proved hugely successful, tripling the number of dogs being re-homed.

Coun Johnson said: "We've extended our dog microchipping service to include cats, in response to requests from the community. From now on, the council's animal welfare officers will scan stray or lost cats to see if a microchip is present."

To make use of the service, ring (01642) 264050.