It sounds like something straight out of the Simon Pegg film Hot Fuzz...
Residents of a village in Somerset are preparing to lower flags to half mast and hold a wake for a local duck. That's right, a duck.
But Desmond Drake is not just any duck, having lived in the mill pond in the tiny village of Compton Martin, near Bristol, for his entire 25-year life.
https://twitter.com/jamesrowden/status/358130873410932737
The
Bristol Post reports that a wake will be held in village pub The Ring O'Bells, celebrating the life of a bird who pond owner Andrew Griffiths says "has brought much joy and happiness to people of all ages".
We'll just have to hope none of the locals get into a flap about the decision...