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Statue of cat who brought 'cheer' to be unveiled

Handout Hendrix sleeping with his toes curled up next to a miniature version of the Saltburn Pier Amusements building. It is a tiny read and white pier cat house with a black roof and a writing above the entrance saying Hendrix's Saltburn Pier. There is pink towel inside. Handout
When Hendrix died, the community rallied to raise money to create a sculpture in his memory

A statue of a much-loved cat who "cheered people up" when they were down is to be unveiled in a coastal town later this year.

Hendrix lived in Saltburn in Redcar and Cleveland and spent a lot of time roaming the beach and Saltburn Pier Amusements.

When he died in September last year, the community rallied to raise money and commissioned a statue in his memory.

Owner Hannah Chiarella said she had not expected to raise the money required and it was "wonderful" to have a permanent reminder of the "local celebrity" pet.

"It is wonderful that we have been able to provide Hendrix's friends with a statue so he can forever have an impact on people's lives just like he did when he was alive and on his adventures," Ms Chiarella said.

"We never expected to raise the amount needed for the statue and the fact that we have shows how loved he was."

Handout Hendrix's statue at the workshop. He is sitting with a serious look and his ears perked up. He is wearing a pendant.Handout
The statue is almost completed and due to be bronzed

Hendrix died at the age of 12 surrounded by his human family.

His father was a wild cat and Hendrix first showed his adventurous personality when he went missing from home in Newcastle.

While searching for him, the family discovered everyone knew who he was and that he had a habit of visiting neighbours' houses.

Later in Whitley Bay he was often seen riding the Metro or hitching lifts on buses.

When the family moved to Saltburn the beach became his new hangout spot.

Handout Hendrix sitting at Saltburn Pier, with the sea and the beach behind him. He has green eyes and his fur is black and beige. He is wearing a collar with a round pendant. Handout
Hendrix was often spotted parading around Saltburn pier and was a local celebrity

Ms Chiarella said Hendrix just being spotted in the area cheered people up.

"We used to get messages from people saying how they would be at the beach, maybe feeling down, and Hendrix would just pop up," she said.

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