A DOG from Torfaen who was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records for his talent of recycling plastic bottles has died.

Tubby the Labrador, from Pontnewydd, was included in the 2011 edition for the most bottles recycled by a dog – 26,000 of them.

He would pick up at least six discarded bottles on his twice daily walks, crushing them in his mouth and taking them for recycling to owner Sandra Gilmore.

A Guinness World Records spokesman said: "We’re sad to hear the news about Tubby, it was a pleasure to have him feature in the book. His love for recycling was inspiring to many children and adults alike. It was a unique record and we are honoured to have been able to verify his achievement in the community.”

Mrs Gilmore, 59, estimated Tubby collected over 50,000 bottles over his lifetime before he passed away with cancer.

When Tubby was first featured in the Argus in 2009 his story went viral and was picked up by news outlets throughout the world, including in Brazil.

He was invited onto BBC One’s One Show, on Channel 5 and was presented with a bone on ITV.

And he was also recognised by Torfaen council, who presented him with a civic award.

Mrs Gilmore said: "We were so devastated to lose Tubby - he meant so much to us and the local community and he had friends all over the world.

"He didn't let it all go to his head though as he was always the keenest, greenest recycling canine around with the smallest carbon paw print ever. He had real nose for plastic bottles ever since he was a puppy.

"He would dig them out from anywhere and go under bushes and even into water to fetch them. He was such a lovely dog and we miss him so, so much. Our memories with him will last a lifetime but whenever we do feel sad that he's gone we start smiling again when glancing over at his certificate from the Guinness Book of Records."

Torfaen council's waste and recycling manager Cynon Edwards also paid tribute.

He said: “We are devastated to hear of the loss of Tubby.

“He was a remarkable dog and did a great job sniffing out rubbish to recycle, and helping to improve the environment for everyone in Torfaen.”