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Cat dubbed 'Supermarket Sweep' wins over shoppers

BBC Sweep the cat sitting outside a Lidl shop in Retford, NottinghamshireBBC
Sweep has become a familiar friendly face with the customers

A cat that has marked its territory outside a Nottinghamshire supermarket has become "a local celebrity" among shoppers.

Sweep, a mixed-breed cat, has been a frequent visitor to a Lidl in Retford, where he waits at the entrance and greets customers as they enter and leave the shop.

Regular shoppers have taken notice and created a Facebook group dedicated to him, which now has more than 800 followers.

The nine-year-old cat lives close to the store with his owner and makes daily visits to the shop, where as well as attention, he is treated to biscuits and tins of tuna.

'Part of the furniture'

David Saville and his wife Helen are regular visitors to the shop and say Sweep is becoming a "local celebrity".

Ms Saville said: "He's very friendly, very approachable, always there whenever you go to do your shopping and he’s become a bit of a legend around Retford."

Mr Saville added: "Everyone loves him there now, he’s become part of the furniture outside the store."

A general view of Lidl in Retford with several cars parked outside
Customers at Lidl on London Road in Retford say Sweep has become a "local legend"

For Sue Donohue, who works in the town centre, Sweep is "the reason she goes".

"I always stroke him, or give him some biscuits. He’s there every time we go," she added.

The Facebook group, which was launched in September 2023, dubbed the cat Supermarket Sweep - a nod to the 1990s TV gameshow.

Shoppers post pictures and selfies with Sweep, as well as share regular posts about his movements outside the store.

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