A CAT named after one of Jane Austen’s classic romantic heroes has found a new home.

Actor Matt Whtichurch, who plays Mr Darcy at York Theatre Royal’s production of Pride and Prejudice until Saturday, was invited to meet his character’s namesake as staff at York RSPCA tried to find him some loving new owners.

The stray cat was named after the hero of Austen’s classic novel as someone was reading the book when the animal was found in a poor condition.

York Theatre Royal spotted the pet on the RSPCA Animal Home’s website after donating some tickets to their raffle, and decided to help out by organising Mr Darcy’s meeting with Mr Darcy.

Matt, who is a cat-lover, has been appearing in a new version of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by stand-up comedian Sara Pascoe at York Theatre Royal since October 4.

For more information on the animals at york’s RSPCA Animal Centre go to http://www.rspca-yorkhome.org.uk/ or phone 01904 654949.