CHESHIRE East chiefs have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh after his passing today.

The council said it extended its condolences to the Queen and all members of the Royal Family and said Prince Philip, who was 99 and the longest-serving British consort to the monarch, had "stamped his own mark on the nation", notably through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for young people, which he founded in 1956.

Union flags were flown at half mast at council buildings across the borough and a minute's silence is to be observed at the authority's Cabinet meeting next Tuesday (April 13).

Cheshire East Council leader Sam Corcoran, said: "The death of the Duke of Edinburgh is an enormous loss not only to the Queen and the whole of the Royal Family but to the country and Commonwealth.

"Throughout her reign, the Queen – who has served this country for longer than any previous monarch – has been accompanied and supported by Prince Philip, her husband to whom she had been married for more than 70 years.

"I have sent a message of condolence to Buckingham Palace on behalf of this council and the residents of Cheshire East. Flags on all council buildings will be flown at half mast and I would urge all businesses with a Union flag to do the same."

Cheshire East Deputy Leader Cllr Craig Browne said: "The Duke of Edinburgh was a tremendous support to the Queen and our thoughts go out to Her Majesty and all members of the Royal Family at this sad time.

"Before retiring from public life, he was not only a visible presence alongside the Queen but made a significant and valued contribution to British life through his support for business and enterprise, as well as his highly successful Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

"His passing is an enormous loss to the country and to the monarchy. We should remember that he continued working well into his 90s, such was his dedication to his role as husband and consort."

Cheshire East Mayor Cllr Barry Burkhill added: "He was a truly remarkable man who not only lent unstinting support to the Queen for more than 70 years but who also played a significant part in the life of this country.

"He supported the work of our business leaders and entrepreneurs and our young people through his Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. He served as a naval officer during the war and had the respect and admiration of our armed forces and military veterans. He played sport and believed passionately in conservation."