Paul O'Grady will be given a guard of honour at his funeral today by dogs from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
The entertainer, who died "unexpectedly but peacefully" at his home on March 28 at the age of 67, became an ambassador for the charity in 2012.
A animal lover, O'Grady rehomed five dogs during his life and filmed a multiple award-winning ITV show Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.
Following his death, Battersea set up a “tribute fund” which has raised more than £270,000 for the charity.
Paul O'Grady's funeral will take place on ThursdayInstagram/@paulogradyO'Grady will be buried today at a private service in Aldington in Kent.
Members of the public are expected to gather along the streets to pay their respects and mourn the TV personality as his coffin is transported to the church.
O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio posted in local Facebook groups inviting the local school and community to line the streets to mourn the comedian, expressing his “deep gratitude” for the “overwhelming outpouring of support and love” he has received in recent days.
He wrote: "While the funeral will be a private ceremony, as many of you know, Paul cared a lot about his local community.
"We have therefore requested that the funeral procession passes through Aldington before heading to the church, as a way of marking Paul’s affection for the area."
In a statement released following Paul O'Grady's death, Battersea Cats and Dogs home chief executive Peter Laurie said: "To many, Paul O’Grady was the immensely popular TV and radio presenter and comedian who lit up their screens with his razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth.
"Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres.
"Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity.
"Paul had an extremely hands on approach as a Battersea Ambassador and has been fundamental in helping our charity to communicate important campaign messages.
"He was a champion for the underdog and would do anything to ensure all animals live a healthy and happy life. He will be dearly missed."
As well as the guard of honour by Battersea dogs, the Salvation Army Band is expected to play during today's private service.
