A cat which regards a superstore as his second home had his fans in a frenzy raising money after he was hit by a vehicle in the car park.

Eastern Daily Press: Frank the cat. Photo: Rose SmithFrank the cat. Photo: Rose Smith (Image: Rose Smith)

Feline Frank has nearly 1,800 fans on his Facebook page - 'Frank aka the Tesco's cat not a stray' - and is often seen assisting shoppers at the Great Yarmouth Tesco Extra store with his affectionate and inquisitive nature.

Frank was seriously injured yesterday but managed to make his way home to nearby Cobholm.

Owner Dawn Myhill noticed he wasn't breathing well, although he was eating and drinking, and this morning took him to the vets where it was found he had a torn diaphragm which needed an urgent operation, at a cost of £2,500.

A JustGiving page was set up to help pay for the operation, and within 24 hours had nearly £1,500 in donations.

Mrs Myhill said: 'If he pulls through he will make a full recovery. Any money raised over the amount needed to pay for his operation will be donated to local cat and animal charities.

'I thought this morning I would have to say goodbye to him, I am shocked at the support people have shown.'

Donors left messages of support on the JustGiving page. One wrote: 'I was only stroking him Saturday, such a lovely cat, get well soon Frank, hope you make a full recovery.'

Another said: 'Hope Frank has a speedy recovery, such a gorgeous cat.' And another donor said: 'Praying for the little dude who has touched all of our hearts.'

Mrs Myhill's daughter, Lucy Myhill said: 'We can not explain how grateful we are and to be honest, the phone can't keep up with this.

'We have been contacted by the JustGiving page and Frank is top story. We are just over 50 pc of the way there, and really hoping we can reach the target.

'Once again, thank you to everybody who has donated and shared, hopefully in the next few hours we will know a more stable verdict for Frankie boy.'

Members of the Facebook page are hoping a sign will be put up in the Tesco car park informing drivers it is home to Frank and asking them to drive carefully.