Tributes from across the globe have been pouring in for a much-loved Wiltshire goose.

Cuthbert died in the arms of his friend and keeper Chris Franklin at Caenhill Countryside Centre in Devizes on Sunday evening.

His passing has prompted an international outpouring of grief as thousands of fans posted on his social media sites.

Cuthbert had been ill for some time after a fight with other geese earlier in the year.

"He touched people in a way that it is hard to imagine a goose doing," said Chris.

"We have had people from all over the world send their condolences - from as far afield as Australia and Mexico.

"I think he just made people smile in these difficult times. He was such a big character. Actually, he was my best friend here."

"We will all miss him big time."

thousands of fans who tune in to watch Cutherbert's daily 'rush hour' show have been sending messages to the Devizes animal rescue centre.

"I am in a massive flood of tears watching how sombre the animals look," said one.

"My condolences on the passing of Cuthbert. What a lovely little friend he was, and you gave him a great life," said another from Texas.

Cuthbert became an internet star alongside other characters such as Smudge and Socks the cats, Ken the Rooster and Dotty the sheep who were posted online doing 'rush hour' videos.

The charitable goose even teamed up with Devizes singer Chloe Jordan for a fundraising Christmas concert last year.

Her song about Cuthbert the Goose gained international recognition thanks to social media posts by the centre and went to number 1 on the Itunes comedy playlist.

Miss Jordan, who runs CJ Music School in Potterne, is a regular at the wildlife centre run by Chris and Hellie Franklin.

“I wanted to help the wonderful charity. I thought I could help best through my music," said Chloe.

"I wrote Cuthbert the Goose’s music and lyrics on my piano and sent it to Pete Lamb who has a music studio in Potterne. I didn’t realise how much people would love the song.”

Cuthbert was hatched in May 2016 by a duck who rejected him and spent the first few hours of his life up Chris's sleeve - hence name cuff-bert.

Chris says the 'rush hour' videos which launched Cuthbert to international stardom will carry on.

"Cuthbert used to lead the rush hour - but we have Giggle and Benedict and Ken the rooster to keep the tradition alive," said Chris.

"We are thinking about setting up an area for Cuthbert in our sensory gardens. - maybe doing something special for him like setting up a pond and picnic area in his name. it's all a bit soon thought really. I'm really going to miss him."