FRIENDS of a well-known charity worker from Rubery are appealing for help to organise his funeral, after he was found dead at his flat, aged 68.

Police officers found Patrick Delaney's body, accompanied by his beloved lurcher Flo, at their home on Meadvale Road on March 3, after concerned friends reported they been unable to contact him for several days.

Maureen Lawless, trustee at Rubery's Farm Animal and Bird Sanctuary Trust, where Patrick volunteered, said Patrick had suffered a heart attack.

Paying tribute to her friend, Maureen said: "For 10 years he had dedicated his life to raise money for animals and worked at the Farm Animal and Bird Trust charity shop in New Road.

"Every day he could be seen walking to work with Flo on a lead, stopping to chat. He was friends to everyone and is sadly missed.

"At home he was passionate about Elvis Presley and his walls were covered with his pictures and those of Marylin Monroe.

"He had no plans to save for his funeral but the charity he worked for is trying to raise funds to give him the send-off he deserves."

Patrick had outlived all of his family members, his brother and sister both passing away in recent years.

Anyone who knew Patrick is welcome to attend his funeral at Lodge Hill Crematorium in Selly Oak on Monday, April 24 at 11am.

Those wishing to make a donation towards the send-off can do so at the Farm Animal and Bird Sanctuary Trust store in Rubery.