LEADER of Carmarthenshire county council, Cllr Kevin Madge, has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela, describing him as a "giant of our generation".

As the world mourns the death of the legendary former South African President, Cllr Madge has asked for the flags at Carmarthen’s County Hall and Llanelli and Ammanford Town Halls to be lowered to half-mast.

They will also be lowered as a mark of respect on the day of Mandela’s funeral.

Speaking this morning, Cllr Madge said: “He was a giant of our generation that inspired many people.

“In his remarkable life, he has saved thousands of people and brought the world together.

“He is up there with the greats of the past, and he will be sorely missed.”