Nelson was awarded national cat of the year. Despite being thrown in the sea and living rough for 15 years, he still has a zest for life and ability to trust humans.

Cats honoured for the incredible ways in which they impact their owners' lives

Cat lovers headed to a star-studded event at the Savoy Hotel in London yesterday (August 7)  to celebrate some of the most heroic felines in Britain, and the comfort and companionship they bring to their owners.

Actress Lesley Joseph said the National Cat Awards, organised by Cats Protection, is the most inspirational of ceremonies. "Forget the Baftas, forget the Oscars, this is the one that matters," she laughed.

Among the seventeen cats nominated, there were those who offered comfort and companionship, helping their owners to deal with serious health problems, loving cats who raised the alarm when their owners fell dangerously ill and another courageous feline who protected a young boy from bullies.

It was Nelson, however, who became this year's cat of the year. Despite the many heart-warming and inspirational stories, Nelson's zest for life and ability to trust humans in the face of years of hardship and suffering swung the judges in his favour.

Against the odds, Nelson has reached the grand old age of 20, despite using up many of his nine lives. After being cruelly thrown into the sea as a kitten, he was one of just two of his litter mates to survive when they were rescued by a fisherman.

Living rough for many years on the docks, there were yet more challenges in store for Nelson. With only a fisherman's cabin to occasionally protect him from the elements, he was forced to dodge dog attacks and lost an eye when a gang of youths threw rocks at him.

However Nelson struck lucky when he was adopted by the Huntley-Crow family, who had heard about his eventful life. Sadly he was diagnosed with an inoperable heart tumour this January, but he maintains a wonderful energy for life.

Other winners included Cleo, who won the hero cat award for raising the alarm when her owner Richard was having a heart attack and stayed by his bedside around the clock during his recovery.

The most caring cat award went to Elias, who is more than just a pet to Army veteran Jack Dignam-Thomas, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Charismatic pub cat Legz, crowned outstanding rescue cat of the year, has a knack for winning the affection of non-cat lovers. The three-legged rescue cat is a true feline ambassador for London and has inspired many people to adopt rescue cats or volunteer for charity.

People travel for miles to see him at the pub he lives in with his owners Amber Knight and Chris Sparks.

There was barely a dry eye in the house as the winner of the Purina better together award was announced as Mr Chips. After a share of bad luck in life, he has proved to be a phenomenal support to his owner Ian Turner, who suffers from a complex medical condition.

Ian has been through dozens of operations in the past three years that have affected him physically and mentally, leaving him feeling suicidal. But Mr Chips has been by his side throughout it all.

After being found as a stray with a broken leg, Mr Chips was left with a permanent disability. He waited six months in a rescue home before Ian took him home.

Image credit: Richardsons