DIPPY the famous Isle of Wight penguin has died aged 22.

Dippy, one of the oldest resident Humboldt penguins at Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre, fell ill last week and passed away - despite the best efforts of specialist veterinary consultants.

The penguin had lived at the centre since 2015, having moved from the Seaview Wildlife Encounter when it closed.

Curator Chris Sturdy said: "Dippy had been suffering for a long time with arthritis, so our penguin enclosure was the perfect new home for him because it features a gentle ramp leading into the dive pool."

Great Yarmouth said he was the tamest of the new arrivals and quickly stole the hearts of every member of staff: "Some members of the team were almost inconsolable when Dippy passed away, and it hit all of us very hard."

Dippy's demise will also be sad news for thousands of his former fans on the Island, where he was so popular he even had his own website recounting his fictional adventures at various of the Island's other tourist hot spots.

The centre said Dippy was a bachelor and so Sea Life staff have no grieving partner to try to console, but they have nevertheless been keeping a close watch on the rest of the flock and providing plenty of distractions to ensure his absence is not felt too sharply.

Chris said: "It will be a sad Christmas but we can take consolation from the knowledge that Dippy had a full and active life and was probably Britain's most-loved penguin."