THE Honorary Colonel for the Rifles in County Durham James Ramsbotham has paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh describing him as a "giant of a man in so many ways".

Mr Ramsbotham, who is also chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce said: "I am personally fortunate, in that he was Royal Colonel for The Rifles of which I am the Honorary Colonel, so met him on a couple of occasions in that capacity.

"I always found him, even in his later years, someone that somehow commanded so much respect.

"He has been such a stalwart to the Queen for so long and as a nation we owe him a huge debt of gratitude for the stability that he and the Queen have given to us for nearly 70 years.

He added: "The Duke of Edinburgh has always done everything with such a wonderful sense of humour as well.

"We are all conscious that sometimes he has upset the odd person, but actually there was that wonderful time when someone said to him "I understand you are standing down" and he replied "standing down, I can hardly stand up any more".

"He has dedicated his life to this country and its people and I am also very conscious that so many people have benefited from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

"There are so many people of all ages in this country he has really helped to motivate and open their eyes to all sorts of things. He is somebody who, despite his own background appeal to every generation and every sector of society."

On a personal note, Mr Ramsbotham said: "He was always a really charming man, who when you were speaking to him you felt that you had his complete focus, which is something that sadly with others one does not always see.

"Particularly when he was with soldiers, he really gave his all to them and made them feel so special."