EAST LANCASHIRE has paid tribute to Prince Philip on the announcement of his death today.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who was 99, had been married to Queen Elizabeth II for over 70 years and had served as the Queen's consort.

The late Duke's connection to the county was also strengthen by his status as one of the most famous honourary members of Accrington Camara Club, an association that goes back to the Queen's Silver Jubilee of 1977.

Club vice president Harry Emmet said: "A series of photographic prints were exhibited as part of our Annual Exhibition.

"All the photographs were taken by Prince Philip during one of several visits he made to the Hilbre Islands.

"At that time he was President of the World Wildlife Fund.

"It was in acknowledgement of the loan of the prints that we made Prince Philip Honorary Life Member of the club and this membership was suggested by Lord Hervey Rhodes, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire who opened the exhibition at The Haworth Art Gallery.

"It came as a surprise that this membership was evidently treasured by the Duke and it led the list of sponsorships and patronages when published by The Sunday Times in 2001. I feel pleased that the membership acknowledged a hobby enjoyed by His Royal Highness and he shared it willingly."

Leaders from across Lancashire have also been paying tribute to the departed Duke.

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern said: "It's terribly sad and my deepest condolences are with the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family.

"I had the privilege of meeting Prince Philip for lunch some time ago and he was an amazing, strong character who was incredibly supportive of the Queen."

Meanwhile, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has said that flags will be flown at half-mast outside both town halls as a mark of respect.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: “I was extremely saddened to learn about the passing of Prince Philip, who was an anchor at the centre of the Monarchy for nearly 75 years.

"Having met Prince Philip several times, I always found him to be extremely convivial, and his sense of humour never failed in lifting the spirits of those he met during his long service to the nation.

“I have written to Her Majesty The Queen to express my sincerest condolences on behalf of the people of the Ribble Valley, whom I know will share in my sadness at Prince Philip’s passing."

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth, echoed these sentiments and expressed his condolences on behalf of the county.

He said: "Everyone in Lancashire will join me in expressing our sorrow at the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who has played a prominent role in the life of our nation for almost 75 years.

"We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have suffered the greatest loss, Her Majesty The Queen, Duke of Lancaster, The Prince of Wales and all members of The Duke’s family, and we think of all others affected personally by this sad news.

"We also recollect all the marvellous work of His Royal Highness, not only at the side and in support of The Queen, but in his own right as leader and influencer of so many organisations and charities.

"We here in Lancashire will have our own memories of his visits to the county and his encouragement to so many people on those occasions."

Lancashire County Council has also issued a statement with chair Susie Charles recalling recent royal visits to the county.

County Councillor Charles said: "We share the country's deep sadness at the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, who served his country with dignity for more than 60 years alongside Queen Elizabeth II.

"Thousands of people saw The Duke, along with the Queen, on many official Royal visits, including most recently to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the Duchy of Lancaster, and when he accompanied The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales on a visit to Burnley and Accrington to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year.

"Prince Philip made a tremendous contribution to our communities through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, which provides vital opportunities to young people across Lancashire.

"The Duke of Edinburgh was deeply respected by people across the county and will be sadly missed."