A STUDENT union's most famous feline has passed away.

Susu the Cat was the University of Southampton Student's Union Honorary President and a beloved member of the student community.

She had been an unofficial campus mascot since she was let in as a stray in 2002 and was voted in as the Honorary President in May 2016 after making an "incredible contribution" to student life.

When she first arrived on campus she was too scared to enter the building but she gained in confidence and ended up with a bed in the Students’ Union.

Over time, she became a fixture and when the union had their nightclub Cube she sat at the tills and got a pat from clubbers as they went in.

The feline also gained a strength of popularity on campus even receiving her own food bowls and supplies.

She also made an appearance in toy form on the BBC's University Challenge while student fans even set up a dedicated Twitter account with more than 500 followers.

But she was most comforting during exam season with many students visiting her for a cuddle as a way to de-stress after a hard day.

During the Christmas and Easter holidays, she was looked after at the Applemore Kennels in Hythe.

Day to day, Susu spent most of her time wandering about in the Students’ Union and sleeping on the sofas.

Paying tribute, Union President Flora Noble said: “Susu the cat brought love and cuddles to the lives of Southampton students for fifteen years, and she will be sorely missed by staff and students alike.

"She was a true figurehead of the Union, and will always remain in our hearts.”

A book of condolences will be available from Monday, October 16 on the concourse of the Students’ Union Building 42 on Highfield Campus for Students to sign.