A much-loved moggy that spent most of his day lazing at a Wiltshire supermarket has been moved out of the area to a new home.

Frodo the cat was a popular sight for shoppers using the giant Tesco superstore in County Way in Trowbridge.

He could be regularly seen at the entrance or curled up fast asleep in one of the supermarket’s display stands.

As the months went by, the ginger and white cat's popularity grew and he gathered a legion of ardent fans who were always pleased to see him and feed him treats.

Sadly, the welcoming sight of Frodo as people entered the store will be no more, as he has now found a new home with his loving owners out of the area.

Search and Scan - SAS, which helped rehome the moggy, confirmed that Frodo’s tenure at the Tesco store has come to an end.

The registered charity, which covers most of Wiltshire, helps owners to search for their missing pets.

It said: "During Covid and our subsequent lockdowns Frodo became famous for his regular jaunts to Tesco.

“He was often seen laying amongst the display items within its entranceway. Local social media pages went mad with photos and reports of his visits."

But while Frodo's popularity grew, and the town fell in love with him, his owners began to worry for his welfare.

People began to feed him treats and many would come to Tesco, food in hand, to make a little fuss over him.

“Customers, and staff, fell in love. Blankets were knitted, treats were donated. Oh how everyone thought Frodo was living the dream.”

SAS said: "Unbeknownst to all these people there was a family who were battling despair.

"They loved their cat so much and were so worried that his increased popularity could make him vulnerable to the low life’s which are in every town."

The SAS team began making regular visits to Tesco to keep a watchful eye on Frodo, who eventually stopped going home.

When his family purchased a home out of the Trowbridge area the decision was made to return him to them.

Last weekend, on behalf of his owners, volunteers collected Frodo, and returned him to his loving family, who were said to be “so elated to have him back within the fold of their warm home."

SAS added: "While we acknowledge all the people who enjoyed Frodo's company, we also thank you for understanding and accepting how very difficult this has been for his humans. We wish to extend best wishes to Frodo and his family for a happy life in their new home."

Commenting on local social media, some Frodo fans said he would be much missed, while others suggested Tesco adopt a new cat for the Trowbridge store, or start fundraising for local animal rescues in Frodo's name.

Dean Plumley said: “Frodo is a superstar, always made me smile when I went to Tesco, such a special soul.”

Becci Marshall added: “My son only asked today where Frodo was. I will miss giving his chin a scratch, as will my son but I hope he’s very happy in his new home.”

Wendy Smith said: “He was always such a sweet boy and my son always looked for him and want to stroke him. He will be missed.”