Lancashire pays tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore

The county's political leaders have added their voice to the tributes paid to the war veteran and NHS fundraiser who died yesterday at the age of 100.

He had tested positive for coronavirus, the initial outbreak of which had prompted him to launch his now legendary charity effort to walk a hundred laps of his driveway before his hundredth birthday - a feat which saw him raise almost £39m for a health service under pressure like never before.

Lancashire County Council leader Geoff Driver said the authority had lowered the flag over its Preston headquarters as "a mark of respect to a remarkable man who inspired us all with his indomitable spirit - may he rest in peace".

Labour opposition group leader Azhar Ali said: "Captain Sir Tom brought hope in these dark times and captured the imagination and hearts of everyone, young and old, across our country. May he rest in peace."

Liberal Democrat group leader David Whipp added that it was "so tragic that someone with such a fighting spirit has been struck down with Covid-19".

"He was a magnificent example and we are all diminished by his passing."

Captain Sir Tom was knighted by the Queen last summer for his fundraising achievements, which lifted the nation as it was hit with what turned out to be just the first wave of Covid-19 in the spring.

He passed away in Bedford Hospital after also having been diagnosed with pneumonia several weeks ago.