Elburg's well-known town cat Arie dies after being put to sleep

Arie, Elburg's well-known town cat, has died after being put to sleep over the weekend.

He had become paralysed in his hind legs after what was believed to be an accident.

For more than 17 years, he roamed Elburg's town centre, visiting shops and café terraces.

He had no single owner: local business owners fed and cared for him, while Mirjam de Vries arranged medical help.

His familiar presence made him part of daily life in Elburg, and residents and tourists often stopped to see or photograph him.

Residents had a chance to say goodbye on Saturday, and Arie was then buried.