BOLTON has reacted to the tragic news today that the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, has today died aged 99.

The Prince visited Bolton on many occasions, including opening Harper Green Playing Fields in Farnworth in 1963.

He also greeted the Bolton Wanderers players at Wembley before one of their most famous victories, winning the FA Cup beating Manchester United 2-0 in 1958.

Saeed Atcha MBE, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, said: "Our sadness at the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is shared by many across the world.

"We will remember that Prince Philip did so much, in his lifetime of service, to support millions of young people through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

"Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen."

The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Linda Thomas, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and I know that my sadness will be shared across Bolton.

"The Duke of Edinburgh was our longest-reigning consort and gave a lifetime of service to the people of the country.

"Flags will be flown at half-mast and books of condolence opened for the Bolton community to visit and share their feelings at this sad time. 

"There will be opportunities in the near future for the people of our town to come together and offer comfort to one another. For now, my thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and all the Royal Family."

Leader of the Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: “So very sad to hear the news of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Queen and the Royal Family.

“He has been a constant in all our lives. His life, one of absolute dedication, devotion and duty, as a lifelong companion who offered incredible support to our dear Queen.

“God bless you sir.”

Chris Green, MP for Bolton West and Atherton, said it was "awfully sad news" with Bolton North East MP, Mark Logan, saying "sending our heartfelt sorrow from everyone across Bolton. Very, very sad".

Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South East, said: "RIP Prince Philip. He dedicated his life to public service not only by the side of Her Majesty for over 70 years but also in The Royal Navy seeing active service in World War II. My thoughts are with The Queen and the wider Royal Family at this time."

Bolton Wanderers have also made a statement, saying: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"Our condolences are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this time."

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: "On behalf of the people of Greater Manchester, I want to convey our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, her children, grandchildren and other members the Royal Family on the passing of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

"Prince Philip gave a lifetime of service to our country and was an ever-present in our lives at the side of the Queen, representing all our nations and regions at countless engagements over the years.

"He made many visits to our city-region and his work touched the lives of so many people here. For many years, Prince Philip acted as Chancellor of the University of Salford, from the time of its Royal Charter in 1967 right through to 1991. He remained a keen follower of the university thereafter, returning to meet new generations of students at the state-of-the-art MediaCity campus in 2012."

Christian Wakeford, MP for Bury South, said: "My deepest condolences go out to her Majesty the Queen and all her family following the news of the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

"The Duke devoted his life to serving our county, as the consort to the Monarch, for over seven decades. He will be remembered for his service in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, his wide-ranging charity work and his well-known good humour.

"Most of all he will be remembered for his incredible support and commitment to the Queen in carrying out her duties."

And the Friends of Real Lancashire campaign group said: "Friends of Real Lancashire sends sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, Duke of Lancaster and all the Royal Family following the announcement of the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"May he rest in peace after a life of service to Her Majesty the Queen, Country and Commonwealth."