A Liverpool station will "never be the same" as loving tributes were paid to "station celebrity" Paul the cat.
'Paul Newman', a hugely popular Bengal cat who had become the unofficial face of Liverpool South Parkway station, died over the weekend. Paul lived nearby with owner Steff, but 13 years ago began journeying into the station which became his second home.
He became a celebrity at the station, and would often lounge around on the barriers, brightening up commuters' days and enjoying attention from staff there. But a Facebook page run in his name confirmed Paul had "journeyed over Rainbow Bridge".
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The post added: "I know you will all miss him just as I will. My heart goes out to Steff his owner and all of his colleagues at South Parkway who will miss him"
MerseyTravel has since paid tribute to Paul as they took to social media to share a photo of him on a ticket machine with the caption: "You will be missed, Paul."
Tributes have also come pouring in from people across Merseyside, and beyond, as ECHO reader Ellie Floyd said: "I’ll miss him sitting on my knee at the station." Daniel James Findlay-Belfield wrote: "Loved working with him in 2017-2018."
Helen Townsend, sharing her own picture of Paul, added: "Nine years I’ve known Paul and he was such a loving sweet natured boy and my heart is broken.
"My thoughts are with Steff who owned Paul and all the Liverpool south parkway station staff who cared for Paul and Liverpool South Parkway station will never be the same without my Bengal friend! Huge loss to our city and such a well loved Bengal cat! R.I.P Paul."
Lynette Smith Wilson said: "I remember him so well he was such a beautiful boy always put a smile on our faces everyday. We will miss you little one, fly high and hope your heart is content and happy and hope your adventures continue."
As well as being a much-loved icon, Paul found himself hitting the headlines in recent years. Last April he found his way on to the roof of Platform 4, before making his way down for a drink of water, sparking much concern.
He was also briefly in the doghouse back in 2013 when claims were made he had nipped a security guard – but he avoided a ban and went on to enjoy 10 more years at the station.
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