A grieving pensioner has paid tribute to her beloved rescue dog who was a celebrity in the community and “brought a smile to everyone he met.”

Delia Childs, 70, of Larkswood Road, Chingford is heartbroken after Charlie, known to many as Charlie Ferrari, died last week.

Charlie who used a set of wheels to get around, passed away at home after his health deteriorated.

“It is a great loss to me but I knew when he went it was time for him to go,” said Ms Childs.

“When we went out walking people would stop their cars and get out to take photos. I would joke that it costs £25.

“He used to walk up to people and demand they stroke him. He loved his football and he had such a good life,

“He became unwell and had had enough. He still went out for walks but I brought a pram and he would sit in in when he got tired.”

The mother-of-three who has 10 grandchildren welcomed Charlie into her home 13 years ago after hearing about him through a friend in Scotland.

After a few months he began dragging his back legs and vets discovered he suffered from a disc disease and would need a set of wheels to walk and play outside.

He adapted well to the wheels and drew crowds of admirers everywhere he went, including the annual Chingford Festival.

Ms Childs said not having the use of his back legs didn’t hold Charlie back and he went for long walks throughout Woodford and Epping Forest.

The “top dog” passed away three weeks after his companion and Ms Childs’ other rescue dog Cassie died from heart complications.

“Charlie and Cassie were my babies. I knew this was it and I’m not selfish and I let them go.

“If someone came to visit and there were not enough chairs I used to say go and get a kitchen chair because Charlie and Cassie would be sitting in the armchairs.

“Charlie was the governor in here and he barked for England.”

Charlie was known to all the neighbours including Ms Childs’ friend Mark Tarrant who “was like a father” to him.

Two days before Ms Childs lost Charlie, she became a great-grandmother for the first time when her granddaughter in Leicester welcomed a baby boy.

“I think that sometimes a bad thing happens but then something good happens to help you get over it.

“Coming back from Leicester was terrible but I have already started looking for another rescued dog to give a home to.

“Even if a dog has only got a year to live and needs TLC I will take it.

“I’m an animal lover.”