Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has paid a heartfelt tribute to Paul O'Grady following news of the comedian's death earlier this week.

O'Grady became an Ambassador for Battersea in 2012 following the huge success of For The Love of Dogs, the ITV series filmed at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home which the TV star presented.

The show followed O'Grady, a devoted animal lover, as he documented work carried out by the Battersea charity in caring and rehoming dogs.

In a newsletter dedicated to O'Grady, the charity said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our wonderful and beloved Ambassador Paul O'Grady - who has helped raise the profile of Battersea to millions around the world through the hugely popular ITV series Paul O'Grady for the Love of Dogs.

"Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres. We have lost a true friend and a huge part of our charity.

There's no doubting that Paul's influence has helped thousands of rescue animals find new homes. By spending time with these animals and showing their quirks and loveable qualities, he showed rescue animals really are the best pets.

Paul loved Battersea so much, and supporters like you meant the world to him. It's only thanks to your support that we can continue to do the work that Paul loved and cared about.

We cannot thank Paul enough for everything he did for our charity and for rescue animals worldwide. We will forever be indebted to him for his endless generosity and support.

O'Grady died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday at the age of 67, his husband Andre Portasio announced.