Readers have joined thousands of people around the world in paying tribute to war veteran and fundraising hero Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Sir Tom, who captured the hearts of the nation with his fundraising efforts during the first lockdown last year, died aged 100 in Bedford Hospital on Tuesday morning after testing positive for Covid-19.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the veteran as "not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world", and encouraged people to join in a "national clap" in memory of him today at 6pm.

Captain Sir Tom Moore helped raise £32 million for NHS Charities. Credit: PA

Captain Sir Tom Moore helped raise £32 million for NHS Charities. Credit: PA

Hundreds of people reacted on the Observer’s social media channels with sadness at the news of Sir Tom’s death, with dozens leaving messages of condolences to his family and friends.

Pam Moriarty Moule described the NHS fundraising hero as "one of life’s great true heroes" and said what Sir Tom did to raise money for the NHS was "outstanding" and an "inspiration to many of all ages".

Cathy Hodge wrote: "Rest in peace Captain Sir Tom Moore. Thank you for all that you have done for us. What an inspiration to us all a true legend and our Hero good night and god bless", while Sophie Boxley posted: "R.I.P Captain Tom, A Hero. & Legend An Inspiration gone but never forgotten x".

Tariq Iqbal said: “RIP Sir Tom at your age you have shown youngsters what it means 'to never give up'", while Zoe Gude added: “RIP Captain Tom. You were a true inspiration during this pandemic, not only to the UK, but the whole world. My thoughts are with Captain Tom’s family & friends.”

Sir Tom pictured on the day of receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle. Credit: PA

Sir Tom pictured on the day of receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle. Credit: PA

The Queen, politicians, and celebrities were among many others who paid tribute to Sir Tom, who was knighted by the Queen in the summer.

Ahead of the 6pm clap scheduled for this evening, Captain Tom’s family said in a statement published on his Twitter account: “Captain Tom’s family are incredibly touched by the public’s suggestion of #ClapForTom this evening at 6pm.

"They will be taking part with huge love in their hearts for their father, grandfather and father-in-law."

A tribute to Sir Tom in his birthplace Keighley in Yorkshire. Credit: PA

A tribute to Sir Tom in his birthplace Keighley in Yorkshire. Credit: PA

Sir Tom had been taken to hospital on Sunday after being treated for pneumonia for some time and testing positive for coronavirus last week.

His family praised the care he had received from the NHS and said they had been able to spend time with him in his final hours.

In a statement, his daughters, Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira, said: “We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime.

"We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.”

They added: “Whilst he’d been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts forever.”