A pensioner puss thought to be the oldest cat in Britain has died at the age of 29.

Black cat Sox, so-called because of his white paws, has been put down by vets in Dudley.

The moggie, which had lived at Randall Close, Kingswinford, for all but six months of his life, was struggling to stand on his back legs and died at Blacks Veterinary Group in Hall Street.

Owners Sylvia and Philip Smith and daughter Emma, who were given Sox by neighbours Lynn and Graham Deakin when they moved out seven years ago, have buried him in his favourite spot in their back garden. They say he will be missed so much but will never, ever be forgotten.

Emma Smith, who works at West Bromwich Building Society head office in West Bromwich, said she hoped Sox was in a better place now after struggling with his health in the past few months.