CORNWALL, BRITAIN - Hundreds of people joined Mr Mark Woods when he took his beloved pet dog Walnut on a final walk on Saturday (Nov 12) morning, reported the BBC.

Mr Woods invited people on social media under the hashtag #walkwithwalnut to share their last outing at Porth Beach, Cornwall. The beach was Walnut's favourite beach.

Walnut the whippet, who was 18 years old, has since been put down because of its ill health.

Mr Woods said the positive reaction from people worldwide who had heard about Walnut had been "incredible".

Writing on his Facebook page on Saturday night, Mr Woods confirmed Walnut had died.

He said: "Walnut passed away this morning at 11.56am. The family and our three whippets, Monty, Nelson and Charlie were also in the room.

"He went very quickly and in my arms. I am writing this post because I owe it to everyone who has supported myself, my family and most importantly Walnut.

"Thank you to the hundreds of people that attended the walk this morning and to all those that had their own walks with their beloved pets at 9.30am all around the world.

"I also want to thank the wonderful people of Newquay for their support which I will never forget as long as I live. God bless you all."

Mr Woods said the pair gone through an "awful lot together", including two marriages, three engagements as well as a move from London to Cornwall.

A Kennel Club spokesman told BBC whippets usually have a lifespan of 13 to 14 years old, so Walnut's age was "impressive" and "certainly unusual for the breed".

"The walk for Walnut is a lovely idea and will no doubt give him the send-off he deserves," the spokesman added.