Hitchin MP Aim Afolami has paid tribute to Prince Philip ahead of the late Duke of Edinburgh's funeral on Saturday afternoon.

With flags flying at half mast across the country and various civic buildings in our town before the country honours the Queen's husband of 73 years, Mr Afolami hailed the Duke's 'exemplary' service.

Speaking to Hitchin Nub News on a visit to our main sponsors, Lyndhurst Financial Management, Mr Afolami hailed the Prince.

"The last visit of Her Majesty The Queen to Hitchin in 2012 is still talked about very fondly by the residents here," he said.

"Prince Philip, not just as consort for the Queen but also in his own right was the perfect example of the ethic of service that we all need to remember, try and live up to - and which he was exemplary example of."

In a mark of respect, a national one-minute silence to mark the death of Duke of Edinburgh, is to be observed in county council buildings across Hertfordshire on Saturday.

A bell will be rung at 'main sites' at 3pm, with respectful silence to be observed in libraries, recycling centres, fire stations and other council facilities.

Union flags will continue to be 'half-masted' at county council buildings, as they have been since Friday, until Sunday morning.