FLAGS on Blackburn and Darwen's civic buildings are flying at half-mast this evening following the death of Prince Philip as council leaders paid tribute to an "exceptional man who was devoted to Queen and country".

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visited Lancashire on many occasions during his life.

The council has opened an online Lancashire book of condolence for people to pay their respects.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Cllr Mohammed Khan, Deputy Mayor Cllr Derek Hardman and Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Conservative Party Cllr John Slater have expressed their condolences following his death.

Councillor Mohammed Khan CBE, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: ''Prince Philip was last in the borough for Maundy Thursday in 2014. It was a very moving occasion. I’m very sad to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his loved ones.

''The council will be playing its part in paying tribute to Prince Philip and on behalf of the Borough I am writing to Her Majesty the Queen to offer our thoughts and condolences at this sad time.''

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Derek Hardman, said:"'He was an exceptional person who was admired and respected at home, and around the world, for his energy and devotion to duty and for his loyalty to the Queen.

''Prince Philip was a man of character and spirit. He will be remembered with affection for many reasons, he was devoted to his family and his royal duties. Always at the Queen’s side, they were married in 1947 and he was her rock.

''He devoted his life to Queen and country and will be greatly missed.''

The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, which he initiated, has put many young people on the right tracks."

Cllr John Slater said:''During his career His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was involved in hundreds of charities and organisations and will of course leave behind a fitting reminder of his work in the highly regarded Duke of Edinburgh Award which so many young people have completed.

''As a fellow member of the Royal Navy Veterans Association, I had the pleasure of meeting the Duke of Edinburgh, and also met him whilst serving in the Royal Navy. On both occasions he was very knowledgeable, very civil, and he will be a great loss as an ambassador for the Royal Navy.

''Our thoughts are with the royal family.''

Coronavirus restrictions mean that physical books of condolence cannot be made available locally, but anyone wishing to leave a message can do so:

- In a Lancashire book of condolence on the Lancashire County Council website https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/duke-of-edinburgh/

- Or in a national book of condolence at www.royal.uk