A Cornish animal charity has paid tribute to one of its patrons, TV personality and comedian Paul O'Grady following his sad death aged 67.

Paul had been a patron of the Flicka Foundation, Penryn since 2014.

Although he had never come to Cornwall, a visit however was on his agenda before he unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday evening (March 29.) 

Paul’s love for animals was clear to see and he had lived in a farmhouse in Kent with his husband along with four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens, and barn owls.

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On its Facebook page, Flicka Foundation paid tribute to Paul in an emotional post on Wednesday morning.

It reads: “We are so very, very sad that Paul O’Grady, has suddenly and unexpectedly, passed away this morning leaving a huge void in the lives of so many.

“Paul was a patron for Flicka since 2014 and although he had never been to Cornwall, a visit was definitely on his agenda.

"We had some lovely correspondence with him over the years, he had been very generous when we needed to transport many donkeys following the closure of the Freshfields Donkey Sanctuary in the Peak District.

“His work for animals was tireless, not only his passion for dogs but all animals around the globe, highlighting the plight of so many.

“Not only an icon, a legend, and a household name, but a beautiful person.

“Our deepest sympathy to his family (his precious dogs) and friends.

“As one of our volunteers said this morning, there will be an enormous queue to meet him at the Rainbow Bridge.

“God Bless you Paul thank you for everything.”