More a Bolt from the black than from the blue, ‘Bolty boy’ generously donated his fifth birthday presents to local charities.

Bolt, who is Junior Pest Controller at Huddersfield, became an apprentice to Senior Pest Controller Felix, when he joined the TransPennine Express (TPE) team at the station.

Felix was already an internet sensation and, together, the two felines have 186,000 followers on Facebook, they have an annual fund-raising calendar and they have published two top-selling books. Bolt received thousands of online birthday wishes and cards which arrived through the post from as far afield as Canada.

As a result of Bolt’s generosity, TPE will be making £100 donations to the following charities:

• The Motor Neurone Disease Association, which focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by motor neurone disease in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• The Welcome Centre, a Huddersfield food bank.
• Men’s Shed, a community group based next to Huddersfield Railway Station, which supports men of all ages who may have experienced life changing events such as redundancy, retirement or bereavement, or be in recovery from addictions or mental or physical health problems.
• Huddersfield Women’s Aid, a Kirklees charity supporting women and children fleeing domestic abuse, honour-based violence and forced marriage, into safe accommodation
• Forget Me Not, a children’s hospice that supports children with life-shortening conditions, their families and families living with the loss of their child across West Yorkshire.

Angela Hunte, Huddersfield Station Manager, said:  “Felix and Bolt are well loved and the pair often attract visitors from around the  world. We try to deter their fans from sending any money to the station and request that if people wish to send a gift, they instead make a charity donation on the furry duo’s behalf.