'He's certainly left his mark in Banbury' - tributes to Woody the Saint Bernard dog who was much-loved across the town

Banbury has said a sad farewell to one of its most loved four-legged friends.

Many people would stop and say hello to Woody, the beautiful Saint Bernard dog, as he walked through the town centre with his owner, Tom Reck.

But sadly, Woody died at the beginning of the month.

Owner Tom Reck said Woody - whose full name was Edward Woodward, named after the famous actor - was an 'old boy' and he died of natural causes at the age of nearly nine-and-a-half.

"Woody was a wonderful dog", he added.

"A beautiful dog and I was a very lucky man.

"It was a privilege and an honour to have had him.

"He was very well known in town and almost took on a human form."

Terri Doig, a friend of Tom and a friend of Woody, said she has had dozens of messages of condolences since she shared the news on Facebook.

"So many people knew him or saw him walking around town," said Terri.

"Children loved him, shouting 'it's Beethoven the dog from the movie'.

"He would spot me in town before I saw him and would gently run up to me.

"Woody was such a gentle soul and would stop and let people stroke and cuddle him no matter what.

"He's certainly left his mark in Banbury."