INVERCLYDE Council has honoured Captain Sir Tom Moore by flying the union flag at half mast outside the Municipal Buildings.

The local authority paid its respects today after Sir Tom, who was 100, died in hospital on Tuesday.

The Army veteran became a national hero after walking 100 laps of his garden in Bedfordshire last year during the first coronavirus lockdown, raising £33m for NHS Charities Together.

He was knighted by the Queen in July.

Sir Tom tested positive for Covid-19 last week and due to other medication he was receiving for pneumonia, he was unable to be vaccinated.

Provost Martin Brennan said: “Captain Sir Tom Moore became not only a national treasure but an inspiration to so many.

“Having served his country with great distinction in conflict, he returned to duty last year in the name of charity and captivated an entire nation and people right across the world with his heart-warming exploits which raised an astonishing amount of money for good causes.

“More importantly, he became a beacon of hope and light for us all during some of the darkest times in all our lives.

“So it’s only right that we honour the life and legacy of Capt Sir Tom and the flag flying half-mast is a symbol of the appreciation of the people of Inverclyde for all that he achieved.”

In light of essential maintenance works currently ongoing at Greenock Municipal Buildings, the usual flag pole is not in use therefore the flag was flown half-mast at Clyde Square at the Garden of Remembrance.