He may live in a park but life is far from hard for Golden Acre celebrity Max the cat.

With a comfy bed in the greenhouse, daily medication and an army of admirers, the feline can hardly be accused of roughing it.

The black and white moggy has become a well known character at Golden Acre Park in Bramhope after giving up a comfortable home to live there around 12 years ago.

Since then the canny cat, who is thought to be about 17, has enjoyed “the life of Riley” with food and attention on tap from visitors to the park.

Liz Linfoot, chair of the charity Leeds Feline Friends said Max did have a home but kept returning to Golden Acre until eventually his owner realised that was where he wanted to live.

“He has been there ever since and has become a bit of a fixture,” she said. “We have got people who go up and donate food and give him things.

“He takes himself into the cafe and badgers for things. He obviously gets lots of attention because of people going to the park wanting to see him, and he has got shelter and food on top.”

The charity became involved after being contacted by park keeper Alistair Muir who was concerned that Max was losing weight. They now pay for his health checks and medication for high blood pressure and an over active thyroid.

Alistair, who gives Max his medication during the week, said: “People come from miles around to see him.

“Not a day goes by without someone asking where he is and bringing him some food, or leaving blankets for him. He thrives on it and has the life of Riley.”

He said Max even featured on cards sold at Ripon market by a local photographer.

Visit www.leedsfelinefriends.org.uk to find out more about Max.