NORTHWICH has been paying its respects to Prince Philip, after his death was confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Friday.

The town's MP Mike Amesbury said: "“I would like to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh following the announcement that he died, aged 99, earlier today.

"My thoughts go out to The Queen on what is clearly a very sad day for her family and for millions of people across the nation and the world, including within my own constituency.

"The Royal Family devote their lives to public service and for that they have my utmost respect and admiration.

"The Duke gave up a promising naval career to live a life of relentless royal duty over seven decades until his retirement in 2017.

"Above all, I think he will be remembered for his commitment and devotion to Her Majesty The Queen. May he rest in peace."

The Town Council said it was saddened to hear of the passing of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and wished to express 'our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family'.

Cllr Sam Naylor said: "People of my generation were brought up and conditioned to be royalists and though it has faced challenges and will continue to do so there is strong allegiance particularly to Her Majesty the Queen.

"Prince Phillip has been a central pillar in maintaining the overall stability and sustainability of the Monarchy and he has been a loyal servant to GB and the Commonwealth."

"We should morn his passing but celebrate his long, long life and my condolences and those of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Northwich Town Council and the people of Northwich go to the Queen and the Royal Family."

Follow county councillors also sent their condolences to the Queen and the wider Royal Family.

Cllr Kate Cernik said: "He was an amazing man who lived an amazing life.

"He was ahead of his time in terms of recognising the threats to the environment and supporting conservation.

"The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme enabled hundreds of thousands of young people to explore new challenges and enhance their lives.

He will be missed."

Cllr Andrew Cooper said: “Prince Philip was a distinguished public servant, with his career in the Royal Navy, his decades of support and devotion to the Queen and his service to young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award,

"I’m sure all the people of Northwich will join me in reflecting on his unique contribution to British life and send our condolences to the Queen and the Royal Family."

"I had the privilege of meeting him about 25 years ago on a royal visit to the North West," added Cllr Bob Cernik.

"I showed HRH around Daresbury laboratory where I worked at the time.

"He was fascinated by the science and engineering projects and stayed far longer than his entourage wanted which made me laugh.

"My thoughts are of course with his family."

Terry Gamble, the Poppy Appeal organiser for the Northwich branch of the Royal British Legion and chairman of the town’s Royal Air Forces Association branch, said:

"The local branch of the Royal British Legion here in Northwich is deeply saddened at the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.

"He was such a strong supporter of all things to do with the armed forces and is a great loss to all in the Armed Forces and the forces of the Commonwealth.

"The town’s branch of the Royal Air Forces Association are sad to hear the news that Prince Philip has passed away today."