Is this Sussex’s most unwanted cat? Poor little Annie has been stuck in her rescue centre for a remarkable three years and three months.

Countless potential owners have walked past her enclosure at Denton Rescue Centre before picking out one of her neighbours.

Christine Hole, who founded the centre six years ago, said: “She is a real character.

“She loves her food and plays like a little kitten. However, she does have a fair bit of what we call ‘cattitude’.”

The eight-year-old moggy was taken in by the Newhaven centre in 2011 after being found wandering the streets.

The volunteer staff nurtured her back to health and vaccinated her before putting her up for adoption.

Visitors are regularly taken by her beautiful looks and longing eyes. They enquire about taking her home and then ask to stroke her.

Mrs Hole, 65, said: “That’s often the problem “She is something of a character and certainly has a mind of her own.

“She can be a bit funny about being stroked and can go for you. However, I think given a chance she will improve.

“She has had a tough few years and a fair amount of bad luck. She certainly deserves for something to go her way.

“I know it’s going to be tough to re-home her but I think she deserves a chance. She will need a home without any other cats. We have 16 others here at the centre and she doesn’t get on with any of them unfortunately.

“I think she could probably handle a dog though.”

She added that young children would not be suitable although teenagers would be ok.

She said: “Yes, she hasn’t got the best reputation but with a bit of love and a bit of care I think she could turn things round.

“I want her to spend the last years of her life in a loving home with a nice garden for her to play in.”

If you think you can provide a home for Annie then call 01273 517036. Alternatively visit the shelter at 26 Avis Road, Denton.