by Rebecca Hannant
Photographs are being sought to help illustrate a new children’s book about Hornsea’s most famous feline, Lincoln the Tesco cat.
Since 2021, Lincoln has become a local celebrity – and something of a global one – after he was regularly spotted hanging around the Tesco store in Hornsea. Fans began sharing their sightings on social media, leading to the creation of the Lincoln the Tesco Cat Facebook page, which now has followers around the world.
His fame has also helped raise money for causes including Cats Protection and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
In late 2023, Lincoln’s adventures made national headlines when Tesco bosses decided he was no longer allowed inside the store foyer, and staff were told to move him along. The ban prompted widespread support from fans and even a petition launched by Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart.
Despite the restrictions, Lincoln has continued to defy expectations – and the rules – by making regular visits to the store, still drawing curious visitors from near and far.
Following his rise to fame, Dorset-based artist and author Catherine L Owen – who runs the craft business Raggy Rat and previously wrote Not Lost: Susie the Dorchester Cat – decided to tell Lincoln’s story in her next book. Like her earlier title, it will be inspired by a real-life shop-visiting cat.
Catherine said: “The story has been fully outlined. It follows Lincoln as he decides to get a job, but of course he faces a few challenges along the way! We didn’t want to use Tesco’s name directly, so it’s called The Supermarket Cat. It’s about perseverance, kindness and community spirit.
“In the back section, there’s some information about the real Lincoln and about the inshore lifeboat told in a fun, accessible way. The illustrations are under wraps for now, but it’s all coming together nicely.”
To complete the artwork, Catherine is asking for local photographs – particularly images of the protest opposing Lincoln’s ban and shoppers inside Tesco – to help her accurately capture the community and setting.
She said: “It’s all going well, but since I’m based remotely in Dorset, I’m looking for some help with reference photos for the illustrations. The idea is that people can win the chance to be included in the book. I’ll draw them in my style – not photo-realistically, but recognisably.
“I work from real photos because I prefer drawing real people rather than cartoonish figures. I thought it would be fun to involve the community by inviting locals to send in photos. It’s even better to run something in the paper because when things go on Facebook, they often get lost or people assume someone else will take part.
“I want it to feel full of life – kids love spotting details in picture books. Lorraine and Kris (Lincoln’s owners) have already posed as characters.”
Anyone wishing to take part can send their photos via the Lincoln the Tesco Cat Facebook group.