ONE of the Newport's best known dogs, beloved by shoppers who always stopped to say hello, has died.

Loveable Staffie Ludo was a familiar face outside his owner Dean Hodges's Star Signings shop in South Street.

Dean contacted the County Press this week, asking us to let people know the ten-year-old pooch, rescued through Friends of the Animals in March 2010, had died on Monday.

"He settled in straight away and brought joy to my life and to those of all the people he greeted with a wagging tail and a huge smile."

Dean said he had been hugely touched by the comments on the Dog Lovers Isle of Wight Facebook page. they included: "Run free Ludo, a beautiful, friendly dog who always greeted you with a wagging tail. Thoughts are with you Dean."

And his name? Well, Dean is a West Ham fan and he is named after their legendary goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko. Dean sang the club chant to Ludo right until the end.

UPDATE 13:29

A crowd funding campaign has been launched in memory of the much-loved dog.

The campaign is aiming to raise the funds to install a plaque in memory of Ludo outside his owner's shop.

To donate, visit the Go Fund Me page.