A beloved Northumberland hospital cat has been awarded the Freedom of Hexham.
In 2022 Yang the Cat was given a PDSA commendation for offering a calming presence and cuddles to patients at Hexham General Hospital. The thirteen-year-old ginger cat has greeted patients at the hospital, of which is now the official mascot, for more than four years.
He has become something of a local celebrity in the market town and Hexham Town Council have chosen to award him with the right to go anywhere he likes in the town (which most cats already assume they have), an award usually saved for military personnel. The Town Council recognised his "unique" service to the community and Yang was presented with a Freedom to Roam key on a ribbon, a farmed certificate and a box of Dreamies cat treats.
Read more: Meet the North Tyneside moggie representing the North East at the National Cat Awards
Owner Glynis Bell was surprised to find that Yang was up for yet another award, but delighted that he has been recognised again. She said: "I knew nothing about it until I got a phone call from the council saying they'd like to present him with a plaque and a key to the town.
"It's so nice to see him getting the recognition that he didn't have at the beginning, people didn't want him around the hospital. Now, not just the hospital recognises him but the council as well.
"He's not just promoting the hospital, but the whole town for everybody. I'm so proud of him!"
A post on the Hexham Town Council page said: "He (Yang) welcomes visitors to the hospital every day and seems to know who may need a little of Yang’s special attention. He was presented with his Freedom to Roam key on a ribbon by the hospital matron, a framed certificate and a box of Dreamies. He’s our Top Cat and we’re delighted to have him."
Have you seen Yang the Cat at Hexham Hospital? Let us know!
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