A TRIBUTE has been received by Basildon Borough Twinning Association following the death of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Association is linked with Heiligenhaus in Germany and its counterpart organisation has sent over a message.

It reads: "Our hearts accompany our friends in the English twin cities of Basildon and Mansfield as they bid farewell to one of the most beloved members of the royal family".

A spokesperson for the Association said: "We have received this message from the Cultural Office of Heiligenhaus Town Hall. It is a wonderful gesture. The British Royal family are held in high regard in Germany."