A Book of Condolence has opened at Liverpool Town Hall for people to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.
The Nobel Prize Winner was awarded the Freedom of Liverpool in 1994, shortly after he became President of South Africa, in recognition of his fight against apartheid.
Mayor Joe Anderson said: “Our thoughts are with Nelson Mandela’s family and friends at this sad time.
“He conquered apartheid against all the odds. His release from prison and subsequent election as President was a symbol of hope, and proof that good always overcomes evil.
“His legacy will live on forever. He is, rightly, an inspiration to us all.”
Lord Mayor, Councillor Gary Millar, said: “We have lost one of the towering figures of the past century. Nelson Mandela was a gifted, talented and peace loving man who took on those who imposed hate and discrimination and won.
“It is a mark of the man that he preached reconciliation, despite being imprisoned for 27 years.
“We must never forget the pivotal role he played in making South Africa a fairer society. His impact was so great that it reverberated around the world.”
A Book of Condolence opens this morning at the Town Hall to enable people to pay their respects, and the South African flag is flying at half-mast on the building.
The Book of Condolence can be signed on weekdays from 9am until 4pm.
