A cat is being evicted from the hospital where it lives after giving patients fleas.

The moggy has been keeping patients company at Mill View Hospital in Hove since turning up on the doorstep almost two years ago.

Known as the Reception Cat, the black stray likes hanging out in reception and lurking around the canteen at lunchtime.

Now hospital bosses have decided he is no longer welcome and are trying to find him a new home.

Mike Wright, bed manager at the Nevill Avenue hospital, said the cat certainly has its paws under the table.

He said: "The patients love him and feed him all the time. We try to encourage the staff not to feed him but of course they do.

"There are mixed feelings about the cat. It's not really appropriate for him to be here.

"It's not particularly healthy for the cat either. It's not fed regularly and it's riddled with fleas - a lot of patients have been bitten.

"Now we have three or four cats wandering around. We'll be overrun at this rate."

Animal welfare officer Sue Watson said: "It really can't stay there any longer.

"It is alleged it has an owner so we will give them a week to come forward.

"If they don't, we want to hear from anyone interested in giving it a home."

If you can help, call Sue on 01273 292446.