A cat loving pensioner reportedly caused a security panic at Downing Street by sending a bouquet of flowers to Number 10’s famous moggy, Larry.
The £55 bunch - said to have included pink roses, white peonies with hydrangeas and shamrocks - aroused suspicions as it came just hours after David Cameron expressed admiration for the feline in his final speech at the House of Commons.
The gift was said to have been initially refused, but was later re-delivered when security bosses realised it was a genuine present.
According to the Mirror, Hazel Ross, 77, was behind the unusual delivery.
She told the newspaper: “I’ve loved watching Larry sitting there as all the important people pass him and always wonder what he is thinking.
“I am a cat lover and I thought he needs to be recognised for the job he does.”
In a message accompanying the flowers, Ross, from Warsash, Hants, wrote: “Larry, hoping that you will like your new visitors. Love Hazel xx”
Larry, who was re-homed from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home rescue centre in 2011, is officially known as the ‘Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office’.
A Downing Street spokesman told the Mirror: “Larry is much loved by everybody at Number 10. We’re sure he will be delighted by this kind gesture.”