Paul O'Grady: Entertainer named Peta's person of the year

The award recognises "his lifelong determination to make the world a kinder place for animals."

Entertainer Paul O'Grady has been posthumously named Peta's person of the year.

The animal rights organisation said the award recognised his "lifelong determination to make the world a kinder place for animals."

The Birkenhead-born TV presenter, who died in March aged 67, was a leading advocate for helping dogs and cats find permanent homes.

He also supported numerous animal rights campaigns including banning fur.

O'Grady rose to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage before going on to present light entertainment programmes.

He was well-known for presenting ITV's documentary series For The Love Of Dogs, which showcased life at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, which he became an ambassador for in 2012.

A Peta representative said the organisation "recognises and thanks Paul O'Grady for his lifelong determination to make the world a kinder place for animals".

"He never wavered in his commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us. We will always treasure his legacy of compassion," they said.

Flowers were left at Battersea Cats & Dogs Home after Paul O'Grady died in March

O'Grady joined the animal rights organisation in the 1990s to raise awareness about testing on animals, and also urged the Lord Mayor of London to stop herding sheep across London Bridge in 2014.

He raised awareness of the treatment of orcas in marine parks and joined a call to ban foie gras, a mousse or pate made by force-feeding ducks or geese.

Peta vice president of programmes Elisa Allen said O'Grady "once said that 'it is our duty to treat animals with respect', and he lived by his own principles every day by being a tireless animal advocate".

"He never wavered in his commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us," she said.

"We will always treasure his legacy of compassion."

O'Grady's husband Andre Portasio will be presented with the award on his behalf.