Britain's oldest goldfish, which was won as a prize at a funfair in 1974, has died at the ripe old age of 44. Yes, I can count - he just didn't make his 45th birthday.

'George' was won alongside another fish called 'Fred' by Keith Allies, 75, as a romantic gesture for his then 18-year-old girlfriend, Mary.

George and Fred in their younger years (right of frame). Credit: SWNS

The couple married five years later and kept the goldfish as pets - which both went on to outlive two family dogs.

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Despite having a ten-year life span, George amazingly survived for over four decades at the family's home in Worcester.

Sadly, the beloved pet passed away last Wednesday (10 April) after struggling to swim for the past month, according to devastated Mary.

Keith Allies aged 30 at the Pitchcroft fair in the summer of 1974. Credit: SWNS

Fred died two years ago aged 42 and George is now set to be buried alongside him in the couple's back garden.

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Former bank worker Mary, 62, said the family had been left heartbroken at the passing of their beloved pet fish.

She said: "I called my daughter Emma in tears. After all these years he became a part of the family. He'd been struggling to swim for a around a month and hadn't been the same since Fred died."

Mary said they had started to think that George would outlive them both after going strong for so many years. Imagine having to put your goldfish in your will.

Keith and Mary Allies. Credit: SWNS

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She added: "We didn't think they would last a few years - let alone 40. We started to believe we'll be the ones to go first. I think the secret to their long life was regular exercise, a diet of goldfish flakes and regular water changes.

"They were little celebrities in our community, people would tell us, 'You've got the oldest goldfish in Britain and possibly the world.'"

How comforting to know that they left behind a legacy.

Retired engineer Keith, 75, said previously: "I was so excited when I heard Fred and George are the oldest living goldfish in the country and possibly the world. I know it sounds ridiculous, but they are my best buddies, so I'm so happy for them.

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Back in the day. Credit: SWNS

They didn't look a day over 10... Credit: SWNS

"We go on holiday to Devon a lot, but I can never be away from my babies for too long so I have to drive back after a week or so. They're still as healthy and active as they were when we first got them - no-one can believe how old they are.

"We first had a little bowl for them, but after a year we upsized to a square tank that was three feet wide. They've now been through seven bowls in total, but we only ever fill them with tap water. The secret is feeding them regularly and showing them a lot of fuss."

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