TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'beloved' Carlisle pet shop cat. 

Will, who was a prominent fixture at W Nixon & Sons Pet Shop on Bank Street, passed away aged 16 on Tuesday, March 26. 

The black and white feline was often present at the shop where he would interact with local shoppers and was known to wander around Carlisle's Bank Street and High Street areas.

Robin Nixon, the shop's manager, announced Will's passing and paid tribute to the beloved Carlisle cat. 

She said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved cat Will.

"He will be remembered as a prominent fixture of Carlisle’s town centre where he wandered Bank Street and the High Street, often meeting his very long list of acquaintances along the way.

"There will never be another quite like Will and we feel very blessed to have been chosen by him."

Robin also spoke about how it has been 'nice' to see all the kind messages that the shop has received after it announced the passing of its popular moggy. 

One tribute read: "I'm so sorry to hear this. I always loved giving Will some love when I popped in or on my way by the shop.

"He touched so many people's hearts and was a beloved fixture in town."

Another said: "I always went into the shop to see Will and he was always curled up on one of the cat beds or on the counter asleep in amongst the treats.

"He was an absolutely beautiful cat and would just wander around the shop or around Bank Street.

"I will miss seeing him around."