Paul O’Grady has been posthumously named as PETA’s person of the year.

The organisation has honoured the comedian and presenter, who passed away suddenly at his home in Aldington, near Ashford, for his passion and dedication to animal rights.

The comedian and TV presenter fronted ITV’s show For the Love of Dogs, was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and rehomed several rescue dogs.

Vice president of programmes at PETA, Elisa Allen, said: “Paul 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.

“PETA urges everyone to follow his example and honour his memory by speaking up whenever they see an animal in need.”

The 67-year-old died peacefully at his home in March.

The much-loved star rose to fame with his drag queen persona Lily Savage in the 1980s and 1990s before going on to host a string of television programmes.

He had previously survived three heart attacks in 2002, 2006 and 2014, suffered kidney failure and talked openly about his battle with Covid in April 2020.

The beloved star’s most notable appearance came on his daytime chat show The Paul O’Grady Show which began airing in 2004, followed by the New Paul O’Grady Show.

He also fronted Blankety Blank, as well as For The Love Of Dogs.

Last year he was joined by Queen Camilla in a special one-off episode filmed at the Battersea rescue centre in Brands Hatch.

Following his death, Battersea announced it had renamed one of its veterinary hospitals after Paul.