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A heroic cat came to the rescue of his young owner by JUMPING on bullies picking a fight.

Smudge sprang into action and pounced onto the chest of one bigger boy when he saw frightened Ethan pushed to the ground.

The boy and his friends were so shocked by the tabby cat's actions that they ran away crying leaving Ethan Fenton, five, and his two-year-old brother Ashton alone.

Smudge has now been nominated for a National Cat of the Year award set up by the Cats Protection charity.

(Image: Mercury)

Mum Sarah, 26, who witnessed the attack said: "I was keeping an eye on the boys who were playing football in the front garden.

"I saw three boys who were much taller and older than Ethan walk over to our front gate.

"I heard them shout Ethan's name twice but he ignored them and just put his head back down and kept playing with Ashton.

"But then they shouted him again and then one of the boys got in Ethan's face and said, 'Oi! Why are you ignoring me?' and pushed him over.

"That's when I rushed outside and saw Smudge fly out from under our car and jump on the boys chest.

"I think it was shock more than anything but the boy stumbled backwards, burst into tears and then ran off.

Sarah, who is a part time hairdresser, bought Smudge after being left heartbroken when the cat they had for just 18 months died.

In a strange twist that proves Smudge is a perfect match for the Fenton family, the cat they originally picked out was sold before they were able to pick it up.

So they bought 10-week-old ginger and white moggy Smudge and, for Sarah, it was 'love at first sight'.

Sarah said: "When they showed us Smudge it was just love at first sight.

He was so small and cute and I knew we just had to have him.

(Image: Mercury)

The family, who are from Doncaster, have had Smudge for three years but had never before seen his heroic alter ego.

Proud Sarah said: "He has never done anything like that before but it was absolutely brilliant seeing him look out for Ethan like that.

"He has slept outside his bedroom keeping guard ever since it happened.

"I actually feel so much safer knowing Smudge is around after seeing him defend him like that.

"He is a big part of the family and he is more of a brother to the boys than a cat."

(Image: Mercury)

The family will find out if he has taken the top spot in his 'heroic cat' category at an awards ceremony in The Savoy Hotel in London on August 7.