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As communities across the country pay their respects following the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, an online book of condolence has been opened for personal messages.

Buckingham Palace has opened the e-Book of Condolence on the Royal Family's website at  for people who wish to leave a personal tribute.

As a mark of respect, South Shields Town Hall has been lit purple and will continue to be so until the day of His Royal Highness' funeral on Saturday 17 April. Flags continue to fly at half-mast on key buildings across the Borough.

A letter of condolence has also been sent to the Royal Family.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick, said: "The loss of His Royal Highness has been met with great sadness from residents across the Borough.

"As the longest serving British consort, His Royal Highness has represented the nation on a global stage over seven decades.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this time."

The Mayor added: "We know people will want to pay their respects and make their own personal tributes. The current situation and restrictions in place have prevented us all from commemorating His Royal Highness in the way we would have done under ordinary circumstances.

"We ask the residents of South Tyneside, as people around the country are being requested, to pay their respects in line with the current public health advice."

As advised by Buckingham Palace and, in with the public health advice, members of the public are asked to continue to follow the current Government guidance, not to gather in crowds or visit key buildings to pay their respects.

The Royal Family has requested that members of the public consider making a donation to charity, instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh. However, no-one is obliged to donate during these difficult times.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ will join the nation in observing in a national minute's silence at 3pm on Saturday 17 April.