A HEARTBROKEN pet owner today described his sadness after his beloved Jack Russell collapsed and died just weeks after being heralded as one of the world's oldest dogs.

Alan Ridehalgh, of Union Street, Oswaldtwistle, was devastated when Cindy suffered a heart attack.

The pet was 24 years old in human years, 168 in dog years and just five years younger than the world's oldest dog.

But after some lengthy soul searching Mr Ridehalgh has now bought a new pet.

He said: "It was difficult but I decided that I couldn't continue to mope around the house. I couldn't replace Cindy but I decided the best thing to do was get another dog.

"She's another Jack Russell puppy called Lady, she cost £180, slightly more expensive than Cindy, but she's lovely.

"Jack Russells don't normally live past 15, but if I get as much out of this one I'll be very lucky.

Cindy appeared in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph just a week ago when it was revealed she drank four cups of Tetley tea a day.

The tea makers wanted to use Cindy as part of an advertising campaign and give Alan a year's supply of tea.

Retired taxi driver Alan, 64, bought Cindy from Crawshawbooth, for £3 when she was a pup in 1978, but said she was priceless. The two were inseparable and over the 24 years the dog had been by his side through work, retirement and even his divorce 16 years ago.

He said: "I was heartbroken, she was more than part of the family, she was family.

"She was was so healthy, I just couldn't understand it. She had recovered slightly when the vet came round but she just wasn't the same.

"She wouldn't even touch her tea. She didn't get any better so I took her to the vets again and they said she was brain damaged, I had to have her put down on Wednesday July 29."

Alan said Lady was too young to be drinking tea yet, but she has started to follow in Cindy's tracks. "She's has licked some off his finger and I think she's got a taste for it."