A Book of Condolence has been opened at Wallasey Town Hall in memory of former South African president, Nelson Mandela.

The anti-apartheid campaigner, whose release from prison in 1990 is commemorated with a plaque in the foyer of the Town Hall, died yesterday aged 95.

Leader of Wirral Council Cllr Phil Davies said: "Nelson Mandela was a man of principles and peace, his message of reconciliation has a strong resonance today.

"I know many local people have been saddened by his death, and want to express their sympathies and their appreciation, in some way.

"We hope our Book of Condolence will enable them to do so."

The Book of Condolence will be open from 9am to 5pm weekdays, at Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street.

The Queen led the tributes to South Africa's first black president after visiting a plaque commemorating Mr Mandela's 1996 visit to Parliament.

"The Queen was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Nelson Mandela last night," a statement from Buckingham Palace read.

"He worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today."

The Prince of Wales described the Nobel Peace Prize winner as "the embodiment of courage and reconciliation".

"With his passing, there will be an immense void not only in his family's lives, but also in those of all South Africans and the many others whose lives have been changed through his fight for peace, justice and freedom," he said.

Prime Minister David Cameron was the first to sign the book of condolence at South Africa House.

"Your cause of fighting for freedom and against discrimination, your struggle for justice, your triumph against adversity - these things will inspire generations to come," Mr Cameron wrote.

"And through all of this, your generosity, compassion and profound sense of forgiveness have given us all lessons to learn and live by."

The Prime Minister's sentiments were echoed by other politicians as both Houses of Parliament gathered in the House of Lords.