FOLLOWING announcement of the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Burton-Sampson has expressed his sincerest condolences on behalf of the borough.

The council has released his statement, which reads: "We join the nation in expressing our great sadness on the announcement today of the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

"We remember with fondness and thanks the many years of dedicated service His Royal Highness gave to our country.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult time.

"We have very fond memories of His Royal Highness visiting Basildon in 1999 when Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the Glass Bell Tower of St Martin's Church in Basildon town centre. It really was a very special day.

"As a mark of respect, flags at the council's town centre offices in the Basildon Centre will be flown at half-mast from Friday 9 April until further notice."