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Zara Woodcock & Aaron Morris

Dogs will line the streets for late Paul O'Grady's funeral in stunning tribute

Paul O'Grady's funeral will see the streets of Birkenhead lined with dogs - in a 'sign of respect' for the animal-adoring TV legend.

The presenter and personality - who also created drag act Lily Savage - passed away 'unexpectedly but peacefully' aged 67 at the end of March, leaving followers and fans around the world stunned.

And a massive memorial will take place on Thursday, as the star is laid to rest where he spent his later life in Kent.

Read more: Paul O'Grady funeral date and details confirmed, as invites to mourn are sent

The Mirror reports Paul's husband Andre is hosting a private ceremony on April 20, while fan Janine Ferguson plans to host a sweet memorial in Paul's hometown of Birkenhead. She said: "The plan is for people to line the streets with their families and bring their dogs as a sign of respect.

"I’ve asked for all local rescue dogs and cats' homes to attend as well so we can collect donations from everyone there."

Speaking to The Globe, Janine also noted how condolence books brought by fans will be collected and sent to the Battersea Dogs and Cats home, before being later passed onto the star's nearest and dearest relatives.

Janine added: “It only started off as a small idea but it has gone absolutely mad. I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction and the feedback."

It comes after Paul's cause of death was revealed - with his official death certificate citing sudden cardiac arrhythmia. The British Heart Foundation describes sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (or SADS) as a person dying suddenly following a cardiac arrest, where no obvious cause can be found.

Paul had previously also detailed his battles with cardiovascular disease, enduring three heart attacks before he had reached 65.

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