A CAT has taken a liking to living the high life - by spending a month on the roof of a terraced house.

It has foiled rescue attempts by running from RSPCA officers and daring neighbours who have ventured up to bring it down.

Now residents of George Street, in Darlington, have adopted the cat - which they have nicknamed Sooty - and throw food to the top of the two-storey building to help it survive.

The cat has become the talk of the neighbourhood, and a headache for potential rescuers.

But yesterday, RSPCA officials said they were satisfied that Sooty was fit and well, and were happy to let it stay there.

Last night, residents and visitors to George Street told The Northern Echo how Sooty was starting to become part of the community.

Samantha Beaumont said she was stunned it was still there after a month.

"Each time I visit, I'm convinced the cat must have gone by now, but it hasn't," she said.

"I keep wondering if it's okay, but it seems well enough. And when it sees people, or when they call for him, it runs to the edge of the roof to see them.

"Some of the neighbours throw food up just so they know it's getting something to eat. It just seems so strange it's still up there."

Another resident said: "It's the talk of the street, that this cat has been there for all this time, yet seems happy as Larry.

"I've seen the RSPCA out here, and someone else tried to get him down, but he just wouldn't come. If he's not injured, he should be allowed to stay - everyone looks for him now when they pass."

RSPCA Inspector Garry Palmer said officers had visited George Street to try to catch the cat, but it evaded them.

He said: "Cats are very self-sufficient, and this cat seems in good condition and is mobile. From our point of view, we are happy for it to be there, providing it does not come to any harm."