Regulars at a pub in Wiltshire have clubbed together to raise money for a memorial of the village's most-loved dog.

'Badger' the Border Collie was well known and loved by all in Seend Cleeve, near Melksham, but particularly by the punters at the Brewery Inn, where the dog regularly visited.

After Badger's death earlier this year, which was described as a loss for the whole area, villagers decided it was time to immortalise the Border Collie as a true village hero.

"The regulars at the Brewery Inn all clubbed together and on their behalf, Breeni Gunn-Taylor commissioned me to draw a memorial portrait of Badger," artist Alan Watters told the Gazette.

"When it was finished I knocked on the owner Barry Powell's door and surprised him with the framed original drawing and he was in bits.

"I had lost one of my dogs just three days before so I knew exactly how he felt."

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Artist Alan Watters presented the memorial portrait of the village's 'most beloved dog' to owner Barry Powell.Artist Alan Watters presented the memorial portrait of the village's 'most beloved dog' to owner Barry Powell. (Image: Alan Watters)

The professionally made portrait came complete with signed prints and greeting cards for the pub and those who knew Badger.

"He really was a very handsome chap wasn’t he," Alan added.

Locals have now taken to social media to praise the Brewery Inn punters and the community for coming together to properly pay tribute to such a well-loved dog.

"What a wonderful, lifelike piece," said Janna Keating, a fellow dog lover from Wiltshire.

"Badger may have gone 'over the rainbow bridge' but he will always be home with his dad now that he has this."