AN online fund-raising appeal has been started in Minehead after the death of ‘popular and well-loved personality’ Gizmo.

Ginger and white tabby cat Gizmo died last week after he was struck by a vehicle on a road.

Gizmo was known for frequently visiting shops and businesses in the town over the past several years including sometimes the Butlin’s holiday resort, and had his own metal head outside the Lidl supermarket.

He was so well-known as part of the community that he had his own Facebook page, ‘spotted mineheads gizmo’, with 1,400 followers.

Gizmo was owned by local resident Angela Chilcott and her family, who have placed a memorial sign off Seaward Way, near Snazaroo.

Ms Chilcott said Gizmo’s memory would never die and a memorial service would be held once she had received his ashes.

She said a permanent memorial would mean residents had somewhere to visit and pay their respects.

The fund-raising has been started by another local resident, Stuart Thomas, who wants to collect £1,200 by July 10 to help pay for a Gizmo memorial.

This week, the appeal had reached more than £800 with 67 people contributing to it.

Mr Thomas said Gizmo was likely to have appeared anywhere in Minehead, and once turned up in the McColls store when he worked there and ‘made himself comfortable on one of the shelves until his human arrived to chauffeur him home’.

He said: “Sadly, his happy, wandering life was suddenly cut short and I am attempting to raise money for something for the town to commemorate a character that had touched so many.

“I do not know what shape this memorial will take, a plaque on a bench or on the street, or even a little statue.

“It depends on how much is raised.

“All suggestions and donations will be gratefully received.”