An Aldi manager supporting cats and their owners from his own home has been swamped with goodwill messages, including one from TV's Paul O'Grady.

As reported last week, Billy Devitt began offering support and advice for those in need during the first lockdown last year.

The 29-year-old previously volunteered for a larger organisation but decided to create Wisteria Cat Rescue at his Walderslade home to help ease the strain on bigger charities.

More than 30,000 KentOnline readers liked and commented on Billy's story.

People praised him for the hard work he puts into the rescue cats' care and wellbeing.

Billy and his team have saved moggies from various poor circumstances and even cared for one thrown from a car.

Currently the animal lover, who not only works at his charity but also as store manager in Gillingham, is supporting 29 felines at his property and at foster homes.

He said: "After the KentOnline story we had so many lovely messages and engagements on our social media pages.

"Paul O'Grady even got in touch with us over Instagram to congratulate and wish us well with what we're doing at Wisteria Cat Rescue, that was really nice, especially as he is such a big animal lover.

"TV news even came and interviewed me, before I knew it the story had made it onto the national news, because of that we got an even bigger following.

"The KentOnline story really got our name out there, it means more people in the community are now aware of me and the team.

"Because people now know we can support them with pet food and other essentials, they are more likely to ask for help than abandon their cat and that is all I've wanted people to know about us from the start."

Long-time Kent resident Mr O'Grady, who presents For the Love of Dogs, recently fronted an ITV show where he travelled the county, meeting interesting characters.

Billy was described as a lockdown legend by national papers and many KentOnline readers said his story was inspirational.

One commented: "This really made my day, anyone who helps animals are the nicest, most worthwhile people in the world."

Another said: "Good on you, what a kind and compassionate man you are caring for these poor cats."

Billy added: "Thanks to the article the whole of Kent fell in love with Arthur the cat, and many people have been asking about adoption and fundraising donations."

Wisteria Cat Rescue not only rescues cats and supports struggling owners, but also arranges adoptions.

The adoption process is Covid-19 contact free, Wisteria Cat Rescue give new owners their cat in a secure basket while dressed in full PPE.

For more information about Wisteria Cats, you can find their Facebook page here.

You can also find out more on their website here.

To Contact Billy and his team, call 07581 306741 or email info@wisteriacatrescue.org.

Wisteria Cat Rescue can also be found on Instagram and Twitter.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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