Eden has paid a poignant tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.

Following the announcement of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, the flag at the Town Hall in Penrith will be flown at half-mast until after the funeral to mark the period of national mourning and sadness.

Chairman of Eden District Council, Councillor Andrew Connell, said: “On behalf of the people of Eden I respectfully pay tribute to Prince Philip’s long life of service to the United Kingdom. He carried out his duties with exemplary diligence and a characteristic sense of humour. Our thoughts are with his family in their sad loss.”

Leader of Eden District Council, Councillor Virginia Taylor, said: “I wish to express my gratitude, and that of Eden District Council, to the Duke of Edinburgh for his tireless public service in its extraordinary length.

“A veteran of World War Two, he dedicated himself as a young man to accompany Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in her life of service to us all. He conducted himself with dignity, selflessness and distinction. Many of us around Eden will remember his carriage driving too; I am pleased we could offer him some recreation here and have that connection to remember.”