BURNHAM-ON-SEA RNLI has joined with its fellow lifeboat stations across the UK in paying tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, who died last week at the age of 99.

An RNLI statement reads: "Everyone involved in the RNLI sends heartfelt condolences to our patron, Her Majesty The Queen, on the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

"The Duke of Edinburgh has accompanied Her Majesty on many RNLI occasions, and we thank him for his long-standing commitment to maritime services and a lifetime of support to Her Majesty."

Other sections of the Burnham and Highbridge community have offered condolences and tributes upon P:rince Philip's death.

Cllr Mike Facey, the Mayor of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, said: "It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, who served and supported his country over many decades with the upmost dedication and distinction.

"He was a much-loved member of our monarchy and will be sorely missed.

"On behalf of the people of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, I wish to convey our deepest sympathy and thoughts to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the Royal Family at this terribly sad time."

Flags in the two towns will be flown at half-mast during this time of national mourning, while residents can contribute to an online book of condolence here.

Once the period of mourning has ended, Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Council will print the book of condolence and have it bound to be kept in the town council’s archives.

The town council has also asked residents not to leave floral tributes in public spaces or gather at monuments, in line with current Covid-19 restrictions.

The designated areas for laying flowers are below the flag pole at Old Station Approach, Burnham-on-Sea, and below the flag pole at Market Street, Highbridge.

Anyone who lays flowers is urged to remove any form of wrapping from the flowers before leaving them, to avoid the need to put them into landfill.