IN life he was loved by the people of Blackrod - and in death his legend will endure for ever more.

Villagers held a special memorial service for Pedro the Peacock at his final resting place in Blackrod Cemetery on Sunday afternoon.

When Pedro's body was found last month, following his disappearance, virtually the whole village was in mourning.

It is believed he had been killed by a wild animal.

Spokesman Gareth Hughes said: “The village loved him. He was a real colourful character. He was part of my family, in fact he was part of the village’s family.”

Pedro was quickly adopted by the community when he first appeared in 2016. Young and old took him to heart as he pottered around the village, visiting gardens as he went.

He was one of nine peacocks kept by a villager but he liked to spread his wings and went free range, making a new home in the grounds of the vicarage.

Pedro was so popular he had his own Facebook page with more than 100 followers.

People used that same facebook page to pay tribute to the village 'pet' when news of his demise was announced.

"Used to love seeing him around. What a shame. RIP Pedro," wrote Clive Gray.

Victoria Gray added: "Our old cat Kipper loved Pedro...roost in peace."

Wes Calderbank described him as a "feathery, flamboyant legend."

And, summing up the feelings of many, another fan wrote: "Bringing smiles, fun and laughter. Living in the heart of the community that you made your home. Great memories. Thankyou Pedro."

Around 30 people attended Sunday's service in the unconsecrated section of the cemetery.

Mr Hughes gave a eulogy to Pedro, remiding people of all the joy he brought to Blackrod.

Poignantly, a little girl laid one of Pedro's feathers on his grave.

The service coincided with Blackrod Scarecrow Festival and a number of villagers commemorated him by creating peacock scarecrows.

There were also two galleries on display in the village, made up of photographs that people had taken of Pedro over the years.

"He was such a big character, a real local celebrity," said Mr Hughes.

"Visitors to the village used to be shocked and amazed when they spotted him. After, all, it's not every village that has its own peacock."