A NORTH Yorkshire couple are like the proverbial cats that got the cream.

Elaine and John Culf are celebrating after their boarding cattery was judged one of the top three in the country.

They were presented with the prestigious moggy award at a special ceremony in London.

Breighton Cats Lodge, between York and Selby, was voted one of Britain's best in a competition organised by the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB).

It was one of 95 catteries nominated by customers throughout the United Kingdom, as part of FAB's work to improve cattery standards.

The catteries were judged on the standard of facilities, as well as the care and effort put into making sure the cats are kept healthy and happy. There are 3,000 catteries up and down the country, and FAB chief executive Claire Bessant said: "It's time their work and commitment were recognised."

Mrs Culf, 46, said: "We have worked tremendously hard and to be voted one of the UK's finest boarding catteries is incredible."

The cat-loving couple took over Breighton Lodge two years ago after moving from Warwickshire.

Mrs Culf said: "We invested over £30,000 in improving the premises and facilities, and were delighted when we were awarded listed status by FAB last year."

The listed status puts the cattery in the five-star rankings, based on high standards of care and facilities.

The couple own 12 cats of their own, as well as breeding, exhibiting and judging pedigree Birmans.

"Owners now demand the same high level of comfort and care for their cats that they themselves expect from their holiday hotel," said Mrs Culf. "There's only four days in the year when we don't open. It's hard work but it's far better than my previous job, in London, when I was spending five hours a day commuting."

For further details phone Mrs Culf on 01757 289005 or visit the cattery's website on www.breightoncattery.co.uk

Updated: 08:30 Monday, July 19, 2004