Birkenhead-born Paul O'Grady mourns death of his pet dog Buster

Birkenhead-born TV host Paul O'Grady is mourning the death of his faithful sidekick, Buster.

The pet, who was 14-and-a-half years old, had been a regular on Paul's Channel 4 show, perching on the desk throughout the programme.

Buster had been ill with cancer and was put to sleep on Thursday.

A spokeswoman said: "Paul is absolutely devastated. It all happened suddenly. Buster had been suffering and in a lot of pain.

"Putting him down was the kind thing to do."

Buster, who had been honoured with the title of "best dog in TV" by TV Times, retired from the show last week.

Paul is expected to pay tribute to his pet on Monday's programme.

The shih tzu-bichon frise-cross had featured on a number of TV shows, appearing first on The Big Breakfast Show and later Lily Live.

A message on the Twitter feed created for another of Paul's dogs, Olga - who was affectionately known as Buster's sister - said: "Hate to tell you this folks but Buster died tonight. A magnificent little dog who had one hell of a life. I'm beside myself. x"

Paul was raised in a three-bedroomed Victorian terraced home in Holly Grove, Tranmere.

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