Tributes have been paid to one of Fenland’s much-loved four-legged friends, Harley the Hairy Biker, following his death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4B1Naye1Nk

The giant St Bernard, born in 2010, was known for accompanying his owners in their motorbike’s sidecar on trips across the country and passed away on Thursday February 11 after being diagnosed with a heart condition only the week before.

Harley’s owners, Alan and Tina Valkeith, of Burnt House Road, posted on the dog’s Facebook page: “It is with great sorrow that we today at 6.30pm lost our beloved Harley. He was diagnosed last week with a heart condition but we did not think we would lose him so quickly.

“He will be missed so much but we will always remember all the wonderful times we had together with friends and family alike.”

Harley’s love for motorbikes began when he was six months old and refused to leave his owners’ side, forcing them to take him with them on their trips on their Honda Goldwing.

The St Bernard’s love for the outdoors prompted his owners to buy him a pair of goggles – later known as ‘doggles’ – and a crash helmet so he could ride along as much as possible.

After being spotted out-and-about in his home of Turves, Harley soon shot to fame, chalking up television appearences on the BBC’s The One Show, the Radio One Movie alongside a whole host of appearances in Cambridgeshire, including heading the St George’s Day fayre Parade in March last year.

Friends and family of the Valkeith family sent their condolences after Harley’s death was announced on Facebook, with one user saying: “He was a wonderful ambassador for the breed. I only met him once but it’s a memory I will cherish.” Another said: “Sorry to hear your sad news. We used to love seeing him in his sidecar.”