SALT the cat was well on the way to recovery after defying the odds to survive a precarious operation just before Christmas in 1991.

And, after using up several of its nine lives, his adventures were set to be the subject of a new book of short stories.

Owner Lindsey Harris, of Galmington, saw 10-year-old Salt defy the odds of 4-1 against to get through an operation to remove an orange-sized growth.

Delighted Lindsey, who was hoping to get the book, called a Pinch of Salt, published, said: "We did not think Salt would come through the operation."

Vet John Booker said: "The odds were against us, but on occasions with this sort of operation, some get through.

"This particular cat has survived remarkably well."

Lindsey added: "I was told that if Salt hadn't had so much love and attention afterwards, he couldn't have got through."