A classy cat hotel has welcomed its first furry guests after it was launched at the weekend.

The Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel in Church Street, Bocking, was opened on Sunday afternoon by Sue Wilson, chairman of Braintree Council, while party guests sipped prosecco.

Around 40 friends, neighbours and new customers attended the official launch in owner Jo Smith’s one-acre garden after several months of building work and preparation.

Three cats are already in residence in the heated suites and more are booked in from the end of the week.

Miss Smith said: "It was absolutely brilliant - I couldn’t believe how many people there were.

"I woke up on Monday morning at about 6am and I couldn’t wait to get down and see the cats - we had a cuddle on the floor.

"It doesn’t feel like a job at all."

The hotel offers one-to-one grooming, a luxury ‘A La Cat’ menu and an individual pet-profiling service to cater to each cat’s every need.

Sue Wilson said: "It was really nice to pay a visit - I did joke I would be booking my own room because it is rather plush.

"For some people their cats are like their children and this is realistically priced for such a lovely place."