THE FAMOUS Yate cat who made Tesco her home has had a street named after her.

Molly Meadows at Newland Homes’ Great Oaks development in Engine Common pays tribute to the feline who captured the hearts of the Yate community and became a cherished symbol of the area.

The name was suggested by 12-year-old Will Gray when he was a pupil at North Road School, which is just down the road from Newland Homes’ development.

Molly, a frequent visitor to the Tesco Extra store as well as Yate Shopping Centre, became a local celebrity due to her friendly nature and endearing presence. 

Her presence bought joy to shoppers and staff alike and her story quickly spread, earning her a fanbase that extended well beyond the town. 

She was often found sleeping in the baby seats of trollies and customers stroked her to take the stress out of shopping.

Fiona, Molly’s owner, set up a Facebook page to keep track of Molly’s antics across Yate, whilst also reassuring people that she had a home and was well-fed.

The public group attracted almost 4,000 followers.

Molly died in an accident in 2022.  1,300 comments were left on the message announcing Molly’s death and tributes appeared in three national papers, as well as on BBC Radio Bristol. 

Her passing prompted Will to suggest the street name in her honour.

Fiona said: “Molly was a widely known and much-loved cat who brought tremendous joy to many people in Yate and beyond.

“The suggestion for a road name by Will was so unexpected and emotional for me and the rest of Molly’s family. 

“The people who choose to live here may never understand the meaning behind the name, but I will, and I will always be thankful for the thoughtfulness of this wonderful young man who suggested it.”

Will said: “I always loved seeing Molly with my family when we went shopping and I felt so sad when I heard the news of her passing, which is why I felt I needed to somehow preserve the memory of her for generations to come.

“When my mum asked me and my siblings if we had any name ideas for an upcoming street very near my school, I just knew it had to be something to do with Molly, the beloved cat who I will never forget.”