Sussex MPs paid tribute to the Queen Mother in a special sitting of the Commons.

Speaking at yesterday's recall of Parliament, Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames, who knew the Queen Mother for more than 40 years, said she had taken a strong interest in the Forces.

Mr Soames revealed she had personally spoken to him during his time as Armed Forces minister to voice her concern or disapproval at decisions being taken on cuts or amalgamations.

He added: "With her passing, someone very special and very splendid and wholly unique has gone out of all our lives forever.

"Truly it can be said of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother that we shall never see her like again."

Hastings and Rye MP Michael Foster told how the Queen Mother was proud to be a member of the Hastings Old Town Winkle Club.

He said she had worn a gold brooch given to her by the club on her 100th birthday.

She announced to the crowds gathered to celebrate the occasion in 2000: "I am a winkler, too."

Mr Foster told MPs the Queen Mother was held in "enormous respect and affection" by the people of Hastings and Rye.

He said the many elderly people in his constituency remembered her commitment and duty during the Second World War.

He added: "I recall the wonderful celebrations we had in our town centre during the occasion of her 100th birthday.

"It was Tesco champagne and 1066 birthday cake but I am pretty sure she would have certainly welcomed the knees-up that all our elderly folk enjoyed."