The well loved dog of a homeless man has lost her battle with cancer after local residents fundraised to give her vital veterinary care. 

Little Roxy, the popular Staffie owned by Paul Flockhart, 46, was put to sleep late last night after kind members of the public donated cash to let her die with dignity.

Friend Grace Studders, from Kirkcaldy said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce Roxy was put to sleep."

"She slipped away peacefully."

"Paul is devastated after loosing his little friend."

The close knit pair were dealt a devastating blow just two weeks ago when Paul discovered a swelling on Roxy's side.

But a vet diagnosed Roxy with an enlarged spleen and cancer in her liver and said that surgery could not be recommended for her. 

Paul inherited Roxy from a friend in 2010 when she was just a one-year-old. 

The pair were regularly seen on the high street in Fife together and built up a legion of fans who raised nearly £1,000 to treat Roxy in her final weeks.

The remaining funds from Roxy's donations will go to Second Chance Kennels in Thornton.