POLITICIANS from across Cumbria have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh after he died at the age of 99.

The news was confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Friday afternoon. Prince Philip had recently had a spell in hospital to treat an existing heart condition.

Among them was former Carlisle MP Eric Martlew, who met the Queen's husband in the 1980s on a factory visit to Wigton.

Mr Martlew said: "I met him between 1983 and 1985, he was going around the factory at Wigton and I was chairman of the county council.

"He did seem very interested in what was going on. If I remember right, the apprentice had made him a model of a carriage - he used to go carriage driving up at Lowther.

"I think he was very taken by it.

"It was not unexpected, but you obviously feel very sorry for the Queen."

Mr Martlew's successor as Carlisle MP, John Stevenson, also paid tribute.

He said: "It's very sad news about the Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with the the royal family and particularly the Queen.

"The Duke of Edinburgh has been at the Queen's side for 74 years as her husband.

"He has been of great importance to her and a wonderful public servant to this country.

"He personified duty and service, and it is a life to be celebrated."

Elsewhere, Workington MP Mark Jenkinson said: "Terribly sad news today. Prince Philip was a dedicated public servant and a war hero. I join the royal family and my constituents in mourning his loss."

Trudy Harrison, Copeland MP added: "The Duke of Edinburgh will be fondly remembered by many across Copeland.

"His multiple visits to Sellafield including opening the much loved Visitors Centre in 1988 and his time spent in the Lake District including an early visit to Bassenthwaite in 1976 signified his friendship with our people and his interest in energy, industry and the countryside.

"I know I speak for all across Copeland in putting on record our immense gratitude to Prince Philip for his devotion to Queen, country and our county."

Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and the Border, said: "Very sad news. A life dedicated to public service and duty to country and the Commonwealth.