Tributes have been paid to Admiral of the Fleet, The Lord Boyce, following his death aged 79.

Lord Boyce KG GCB OBE DL had been a familiar figure in the Dover district since his appointment in 2004 as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports, and Constable of Dover Castle.

He passed away on Sunday, November 6 after a long and debilitating illness.

He has been described as a "great friend" and said to have brought a "uniquely professional perspective" to his role.

The Chairman of Dover District Council, Cllr Mike Conolly, has sent condolences on behalf of the district to Lord Boyce's family.

"Many of us got to know Lord Boyce through his unstinting dedication and service to the Cinque Ports, and his support of the local community, charities and voluntary organisations," he said.

"The Cinque Ports are known as the "cradle of the Royal Navy" and as the first naval officer to hold the post of Lord Warden since the 17th century, Lord Boyce brought a uniquely professional perspective to the role as a former submariner, First Sea Lord, and Chief of the Defence Staff.

"He was also a true gentleman who took a great interest in local matters.

"He will be sadly missed across the district and the wider Cinque Ports community."

Several tributes have been paid on Facebook, including one from the team at Walmer Castle - which was his official residence.

The post said: "We are saddened to learn of the death of Admiral of the Fleet Lord Boyce, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, and we send our deepest condolences to his family.

"At Walmer Castle, Lord Boyce’s official residence as Lord Warden, he was a familiar figure to our staff, volunteers, regular visitors and members, who held him in the highest regard.

"We shall miss him greatly."

Staff at Dover College also paid tribute to Lord Boyce, saying he was a great supporter of the college.

The post said: "Lord Boyce was a great supporter of Dover College since his appointment in 2004 as Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports and Constable of Dover Castle and will be sorely missed.

"The Chairman of Governors, Mr Michael Goodridge MBE, has passed on our condolences to Lord Boyce’s family, and I am sure you will all join us in including him and his family in your prayers."

The flag at RNLI Walmer lifeboat station has been lowered in tribute.

Colleagues from the station posted on social media: "Having been a RNLI member for several years (following the dismasting of his Hobie Cat off the east coast of England in the mid-1980s when a lifeboat came to his aid), Lord Boyce joined our charity’s Council in 2004.

"He was elected as RNLI Chair in July 2009 and remained in this position until July 2013, when he was made a Vice President.

"The station flag will be lowered in his memory.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."

Crews at RNLI Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station also paid tribute.

A message said: "It is with much sadness that we have learned that Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Boyce has died.

"He was a great supporter of all those associated with the sea especially the RNLI. RNLI Rye Harbour send their condolences to his family."

Jon Bartholomew, Sergeant at Admiralty of the Cinque Ports, Town Crier of Hastings, wrote: "The Lord Warden was a great friend of Hastings and always referred to us naturally, as his premier Cinque Port.

"Lord Boyce passed peacefully after a long and debilitating illness which saw him only recently withdraw from civic duties which he loved so much.

"You will be missed Sir, thank you for your friendship diligence and your service to us all.

"I remain Sir, your Sergeant at Admiralty of the Cinque Ports.

"God save the King."

Dover and Deal sea cadets also paid their respects: "The Lord Boyce was an influential advocate for Dover and Deal Sea Cadets unit.

"Each year, he personally appointed a young person from East Kent and Sussex to perform the duties of Lord Wardens Cadet for a period of one year.

"Since 2006 32 Sea and Royal Marines Cadets have had the opportunity to accompany the Lord Boyce on official duties."

Lord Boyce was born in 1943 and served in the Royal Navy for 42 years.

He became Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in 2005 and also served in the Iraq war.