A Downton Abbey star from Denby Dale is among a host of cat-loving celebrities who are donating their ‘paw prints’ to raise funds for leading feline welfare charity, Cats Protection.

Paul Copley, who plays Mr Mason is the popular period drama, has created his own artwork to be auctioned on eBay for the charity’s ‘Celebrity Paws’ fundraiser.

Other celebrities taking part include X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary, Dame Judi Dench, Strictly Come Dancing star Flavia Cacace Mistry, Hollyoaks actress Carley Stenson and 1990s pop star Chesney Hawkes.

The high profile cat lovers have all created their ‘paw prints’ by drawing around their hands and customising the design with cat-themed art work.

Paul, who has starred in Last Tango in Halifax, ITV’s White Heat and Vera, has drawn a smiling cat on each finger of the hand.

Spokesperson for Cats Protection, Louise Waters, said: “This is the eighth year we have hosted our Celebrity Paws auction.

“Over the years it has attracted fantastic support from famous cat lovers - from Prime Ministers and artists to award-winning actors and TV favourites, and we expect this year to be just as popular.

“Each ‘paw’ is signed by the celebrity and is completely authentic. As with previous years, we expect these unique artworks will really get people bidding and raise some vital funds for unwanted cats and kittens.”

Interested bidders are invited to log on and view the full list of paw prints at www.cats.org.uk/celebrity-paws

Bidding runs until noon on Sunday.

Paul Copley turns 70 today. His other TV and film credits include BBC soap Doctors, The Bill, Casualty, Coronation Street, Silent Witness, Peak Practice, Cracker and Oscar nominated film, The Remains of the Day (1993).