ARTIST and illustrator Laura Wall has paid tribute to naturalist and comedian Bill Oddie whose death aged 85 has been announced.

Bill, a member of the popular comedy trio The Goodies, was also a wildlife presenter and bird lover.

Ten years ago, Bill agreed to narrate the character of Goose from Teignmouth-based Laura’s book series.

She said Bill would ‘forever be the voice of Goose’.

She explained: ‘It was a special moment 10 years ago when Bill said yes to narrating my Goose audiobooks.

‘What an incredible moment that was.

‘I'll never forget meeting him. He had me in fits of laughter as he tried to get Goose's "honk" just right. ‘And he did.

’It really was an honour for me, loved him reading my Goose stories,

‘It makes me smile to think his voice will live on through my audiobooks and the stage show, lovingly created by Talegate Theatre.

‘Thank you, Bill, for giving Goose a voice.’