WEST Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has paid her own personal tribute to Margaret Thatcher - describing her as a "great inspiration".

Mrs Baldwin, who entered the House of Commons in 2010 following the retirement of Sir Michael Spicer, said Lady T had given her welcome advice on steering her way through politics.

"Baroness Thatcher was a great leader and a ground-breaker for women, becoming the first female British Prime Minister," she said.

"Her legacy leading Britain through war time conflict and peace time was outstanding and she will be greatly missed.

"I had the privilege of meeting her when I was a political candidate and she was a great inspiration in helping me form my own political career.

"My thoughts are with her family at this very sad time."

Meanwhile, Baroness Thatcher’s funeral is to take place on Wednesday, April 17, it has been confirmed.

The funeral ceremony, with full military honours, will take place at London's St Paul's Cathedral following a procession from Westminster.

MPs were today sent an email from Downing Street asking them if they wanted to attend, with Worcester’s Robin Walker among the first to accept.

“She was the first female Prime Minister not just in Britain, but in the western world, which is extraordinary,” he said.

Mr Walker has also extended his tributes to the former premier, saying his late father always respected her.

Lord Peter Walker served in her cabinet, including spells as minister for agriculture, secretary of state for Wales and energy secretary.

"My father would have been very sad to hear of her passing because on a personal level he liked and trusted her and believed she was a good person who tried to do the right thing," he said.

Worcester City Council has attached a black ribbon to its union jack flag at the Guildhall today as a sign of respect for her.

The ribbon will stay in place until next Wednesday, upon which the flag will be lowered to half-mast.