People in Southampton have paid tribute as John Prescott, who served as deputy prime minister to Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007, has died at the age of 86.

It was announced on Thursday morning that the former MP had passed away following a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Lord Prescott was the patron of the Southampton-based Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB).

Stuart Rivers, chief executive, said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lord Prescott’s family at this difficult time. He was a great patron and we were honoured to have him serve in the role for nine incredible years.”

“He cared deeply about seafarers and their lives. He always showed a huge interest in the charity and the work we’ve been doing to help co-ordinate welfare efforts to support those on the ground.

“Lord Prescott always spoke so passionately at conferences where he lit up the room in his speeches. He will be greatly missed.”

One of Lord Prescott’s claims to fame was his battle bus.

Former Echo journalist Duncan Eaton remembers during a General Election campaign the Prescott bus stopped off at a parade of shops in Aldermoor, Southampton.

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Duncan said: “It was not long before large crowds had gathered and one of Britain's best-known politicians emerged from the bus. The larger-than-life character was also met by a media scrum.”

Prescott spoke of his close links with Southampton, working as a waiter on the Cunard ocean going liners.

In later years he was among the VIP guests at the naming of two prestigious Cunard liners.

In January 2004 he was in Southampton when the late Queen named Queen Mary 2 and three years later when the now Queen Camilla, former Duchess of Cornwall, christened the Queen Victoria.

The bottle of champagne failed to break upon impact with Queen Victoria's hull, which according to nautical superstition is a bad omen. However, a backup bottle was immediately successful.