Travelling terrier dies after being hit on road

Ratty, a 10-year-old Jack Russell, became an overnight celebrity in 2006 after it emerged he used to jump on the Number 10 and travel five miles from the village of Dunnington, to the Black Bull in York.

Once at the pub, Ratty would feast on sausages laid on by admiring bar staff and locals, but switched his affections to the nearby Rose and Crown when new owners took over several years ago.

He was knocked down last Thursday just yards from the bus stop. Witnesses claimed the driver was speeding.

Last night, his devastated owner Gary Kay, a 45-year-old farmer, paid tribute to his beloved pet.

"I am absolutely gutted and will miss him. He had a good life, he was a very loyal dog who knew how to stand his ground, and he had a big fan club.

"It's been a terrible few days. He was one in a million, a famous dog with bags of character.

"He loved to go out on his own, he still used to visit the pub but not as much as his age was catching up with him. He used to trot all around the village, he was very crafty and had never had an accident before.

"Ratty loved sitting at the bus stop and we have a friend over the road who he must have been going to see when this happened.

"He was always very careful when crossing the road so I blame the driver for this. .

"The people at the bus stop who saw what happened were mortified.

"They said the driver must have been doing about 70mph and made no attempt to avoid Ratty, and he didn't stop."