A Somerset rescue centre is caring for an abandoned cat dumped as a result of the credit crunch.

Manny, who was badly injured after being run over, was left in a cat carrier outside a cattery in East Huntspill, with a note attached.

The letter read: "Dear Sir or Madam, I am sorry to be leaving my cat with you only he was hit by a car a few weeks ago and I was hoping his tail would get better but it's infected.

"I recently lost my job and other things have gone wrong so I cannot afford to keep him, though I love him to bits.

"I don't know what else to do and I hope you can find him a loving home.

"Thank you and sorry."

Since Manny was found he has undergone treatment to have his tail removed but is otherwise fit and healthy in the care of the RSPCA in Brent Knoll.

Centre manager Nikki Tutton said: "Manny's tail was so badly damaged and infected it had to be removed.

"There's a possibility that his tail could have been saved if treatment had been sought straightaway but it is hard to say.

"He's now recovered and is looking for a new home.

"Manny is a lively boy that just loves to play.

"No one has come forward to claim Manny but then again we wouldn't expect that because he was abandoned.

"The credit crunch is a real worry but we always have the same problem every summer. At the moment we have 60 cats desperately needing homes."

The RSPCA is trying to trace Manny's owner to explain help could have been available through its Help with Vets Bills scheme.