Paul O’Grady fans gather with their pups in his home town Birkenhead to celebrate the late star

Fans of Paul O’Grady gathered in his hometown of Birkenhead, Merseyside, on Thursday to pay tribute to the late star.

In honor of the presenter on the day of his funeral, crowds gathered in the city center to commemorate him in their own way.

Paul passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia on March 29 at the age of 67.

Singing and singing, the locals sang songs like “Who Let The Dogs Out” as they brought their own pups as a mark of respect to the dog-loving TV star.

On the same day, Paul’s funeral took place in Kent, where he lived before his death.

Despite the burial not taking place in his hometown, the locals were eager to ensure that Paul was still remembered there.

In videos shared by Wirral News, a number of residents brought their dogs to pay tribute to Paul’s love for them, with a local kennel collecting the collections.

In a real moment of solidarity, the audience could also be seen singing Sweet Caroline in unison.

While a book of condolence went around the crowd for fans to share their messages.

Paul was loved in the city, with more than 100,000 people signing a petition earlier this month calling for a statue of him to be built in his hometown.

The online campaign called on Wirral council to ‘honour the life of such a great human being’.

Meanwhile in Kent, Paul’s husband Andre Portasio wiped away tears as he led mourners to the late comedian’s funeral.

Ronnie Wood, Alan Carr and Jo Brand were among dozens of celebrities who followed the grief-stricken Andre as he carried Paul’s coffin through Adlington, Kent by horse and carriage, holding their beloved dog Conchita.

Bustle: In videos shared by Wirral News, a number of residents brought their dogs to pay tribute to Paul’s love for them, while a local kennel held collections

Collected: In a real moment of solidarity, the audience could also be seen singing Sweet Caroline in unison

Love of pups: Paul was known for his love of dogs, and residents brought their own pups to the gathering as a sign of respect (pictured in 2014)

Hundreds of well-wishers with bouquets of flowers lined the streets to watch the procession make its way from Paul’s home in Adlington to a picturesque 12th-century church in nearby Bonnington.

The popular comedian and broadcaster, who rose to fame as his drag alter-ego Lily Savage and whose TV show For the Love of Dogs was watched by millions, made his final journey flanked by a “dog guard of honor.”

A floral wreath in the shape of O’Grady’s late dog Buster, who died of cancer in 2009, was pictured leaning against his coffin as it made its way to Grade II listed St Rumwold’s church.

O’Grady’s daughter Sharyn Mousley wore a black face covering as she walked into the service next to a young man, believed to be the comedian’s grandson, holding a Lily Savage wig.

Funeral: Husband of Paul O’Grady, Andre Portasio, carrying one of their dogs, arrives for Paul O’Grady’s funeral at St Rumwold’s Church in Aldington, Kent