Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has announced plans to help thousands of animals in need with money raised from public donations following the death of Paul O’Grady.

The 67-year-old comedian and presenter, who lived in Aldington near Ashford, was renowned for his love of animals, having been an ambassador for Battersea for more than 10 years when he died in March.

In honour of the late presenter, Battersea’s state-of-the-art clinic facilities are to be renamed ‘The Paul O’Grady Veterinary Hospital’, and almost half a million pounds raised by fans will be spent by the charity helping dogs and cats who need specialist care and treatment.

Almost 20,000 donations were made to Battersea in Paul’s honour from generous members of the public wanting to pay their respects and express their gratitude, with the grand total coming in at £480,000.

Battersea’s chief executive Peter Laurie said: “We’ve been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the generous donations from thousands of people following the death of our beloved ambassador, Paul O’Grady.

“It really is a testament to how loved Paul was, and we shall always be forever grateful for everything he did for us.

“As an ambassador for Battersea, especially during his 11 years filming For the Love of Dogs, Paul helped animals in their recuperation from surgery, and at times, watched as they headed offsite for specialist surgery.

“Naming our veterinary hospital after Paul, therefore, feels fitting. We are pleased to also be able to share donations with other charities who support rescue animals.

“Paul was always a champion of the underdog, and we’ll be carrying on his legacy, by ensuring we use the funding to go the extra mile for animals that need costly surgery, medication, or rehabilitation.”

Battersea won’t be the only recipient of the funds raised, with five other animal charities close to Paul’s heart also set to receive a share of the cash – including RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery near his home, where he was president, and StreetVet, where Paul was an ambassador.

Freshfields Animal Rescue, Carla Lane Animals in Need and The Oldies Club, all charities near Paul’s birthplace of Liverpool, will also be receiving a gift of £20,000 each.

Across its three sites in South West London, Berkshire and Kent, Battersea looks after more than 4,500 cats and dogs with a varying range of veterinary needs.

Some of the centre’s dogs would feature on television alongside Paul’s hit ITV series For the Love of Dogs.

One such dog, two-year-old Newfoundland Peggy, had her life-changing surgery documented by TV crews during her time at Battersea before going on to find her forever home.

Paul’s husband, Andre Portasio, said: “Seeing how loved Paul was by so many has been truly touching.

“Paul was so passionate in his support of rescue animals, and it gives me some comfort to know that through the hard work and commitment of Battersea and other charities Paul’s legacy will live on.

“I know that Paul would have been pleased to know that the most disadvantaged animals he was so fond of championing are getting the love and support they deserve.”