ONE of television’s most recognisable stars paid a visit to a Forest builders’ merchants last week.

Lewis the “Dulux dog” visited Hales of Drybrook to mark the opening of its new centre for the well-known paint brand.

The eight-year-old Old English Sheepdog is one of the latest of the famous Dulux dogs which first started advertising the paint in 1961.

Lewis met staff and customers and had a look around the store, even managing to get a close look at a shower and onto a sofa.

Owner Ann Cheshire said: “He started working for Dulux when he was two and now he’s eight.

“He’s done seven of the TV commercials for Dulux.

“Now he’s older, he comes around stores and meets people. The children love him.”

Hales operations manager Mike Bennett said: “We’re now stocking Dulux paint and we’ve enjoyed having the Dulux dog here today”.