Mr Pickles has been put on a diet. But council types may be surprised to hear that on this occasion the Mr Pickles referred to is not their friend, Eric. Rather, it's literal fat cat Mr Pickles, who has been put on a weight loss and exercise programme at a rescue centre in Aberdeenshire. The moggy – named Mr Pickles by his carers – is one of the heaviest rescued by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Once the cat has slimmed down it is likely to be found a new home but – like Westminster's Mr Pickles who is reportedly being lined up for the chief whip's post – he may be reluctant to move from his current home. The rescue centre's assistant manager Debbie Innes said: ‘The only thing bigger than Mr Pickles is his personality. ‘He is one of the friendliest cats you're likely to meet and loves having his tummy tickled.' Diary will leave it to our readers to judge how much the two Mr Pickles' share in common.