Goodbye to Goldie the oldest fish

Goldie became something of a celebrity

Goldie, said to be the oldest goldfish in the world, has died at the grand old age of 45.

Owners Pauline and Tom Evans from Bradninch in Devon, said the family pet had been out of sorts for a while, resting at the bottom of his tank.

Goldie inherited the unofficial "oldest" record from Tish the goldfish from North Yorkshire which was 43 when it died.

Mr Evans said: "It's the end of an era and a bit sad."

Goldie has been buried in the Evans' garden, and although Mr and Mrs Evans say their house seems very empty without Goldie, they said they have no plans to replace him.

Goldie was one of three goldfish won at a fair in Budleigh Salterton by Mrs Evans' parents in 1960.

When her mother and father died in 1995 and 1997, Goldie - always referred to as 'he' - was transferred into a bucket to make the 45-minute drive to Bradninch.

Since becoming an elder statesman for goldfish, Goldie has done his bit for charity.

Amazed at the media interest in their fish, Mr and Mrs Evans asked for donations to Vranch House. Cheques should be made payable to Devon and Exeter Spastic Society. These allowed Goldie to sponsor an aquarium at the school, much to the children's delight.

Spokesman Graeme Wheeler said: "The support generated by Pauline through Goldie has been amazing and the children absolutely adore the aquarium.

"Goldie was one hell of a fish."

Goldie was also featured in a Japanese television film about goldfish.

However, the years did take their toll on the goldfish, whose skin faded from a yellow-orange to a pale pink.

However, Goldie did not make it into the Guinness Book of Records because no documentary proof was available to prove his age.