A COMMUNITY is mourning the loss of a much-loved cat who was a worldwide internet sensation.

Ginger moggy Wilf roamed the streets of Fiveways, Brighton, for nine years, making a name for himself and melting hearts in the cafes and shops.

He even had his own Facebook page, where fans would post pictures of their encounters with the famous feline, attracting 2,500 followers from as far as Japan.

Fiveways Wilf passed away on Friday sparking a crowdfunding campaign which has raised more than £2,000 for a permanent memorial to the Persian cat loved by so many.

His owner Johanna Burley, 44, who adopted rescue cat Wilf, said she had been touched by the hundreds of tributes that have poured in from fans.

Mrs Burley, of Lowther Road, Fiveways, said: “I am still in shock about him not being here but also the level of love he has generated.

“Wilf’s wanderings were only made possible with the support of those he met when he was out and about – all the brilliant local shops, businesses, cafes and pub that he frequented as well as our neighbours and passersby who were amazed at the confidence of this little red fluffy cat.”

Mrs Burley started the Fiveways Wilf’s Facebook page when she started getting selfies of strangers with her cat sent to her phone, as her phone number was on his collar.

He walked into people’s houses through the cat flap, and enjoyed visiting his local businesses, The Flour Pot Bakery, Beaumonts estate agents and The Fiveways Pub among his favourites.

The rescue cat also raised money for Lost Cats Brighton, with fans as far as Japan wanting his badges and Christmas cards.

The crowdfunding campaign, started by a fan to help with vet bills as he was dying from kidney disease, will now go towards a permanent memorial in Five Ways.

To learn more about the plans, visit facebook.com/FivewaysWilf