A PENSIONER from York was so moved by the plight of a Ryedale cat, which survived after being shot in the mouth, she has made a gift towards the owner's vet bill.

Smudge was shot at point-blank range with an air gun last month and had to undergo emergency surgery to remove a pellet from behind his eye.

Evening Press reader, 86-year-old Ethel Winspear, was so moved by Smudge's story that she is donating £20 from her pension to help him recover.

Ethel's daughter Rita Winspear, who also lives in York, said her mother was keen to help Smudge's owner Gillian Charlton.

"She read about how Smudge's owner was facing a vet's bill of £750 and wanted to do something to help," said Rita.

"My mum is a cat owner - her cat is 15 years old and she really loves it. She just wants to do what she can and £20 was what she could afford."

Gillian Charlton said she was touched by Mrs Winspear's offer.

"I was so moved when I heard an elderly lady wanted to help me out with the bill," she said.

"I normally wouldn't like to accept money from someone who cannot really afford it, but because the bill is so much I'm really not in a position to turn her down."

Smudge is back at home and is expected to lead a normal life, despite being blind in one eye as a result of the attack.

"It has been a traumatic time and I am just pleased Smudge is all right," added Gillian.

"He seems quite happy now and I just hope he will be all right in the future."

Updated: 11:38 Tuesday, August 21, 2001