Former prime minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to Sir Nicholas Winton, who organised the rescue of 669 Jewish children from the Holocaust as a "real hero of our times" following his death aged 106.
The former MP said it had been a privilege to have met the men, dubbed "Britain's Schindler" - after the German industrialist Oskar Shindler, who saved 1,200 lives - by sending them from Prague to London by train.
He said that he feld "admiration, respect" and had been in 'awe' of his courage. Mr Brown added: "That courage led him to risk his life to save the lives of some of the most vulnerable people. His inspiration will live on."
ends
Sir Nicholas's son-in-law Stephen Watson said Sir Nicholas died peacefully in his sleep at Wexham Hospital in Slough, Berkshire, with his daughter Barbara and two grandchildren at his side.
The Rotary Club of Maidenhead, of which Sir Nicholas was a member, said he died peacefully, with his daughter Barbara, and two grandchildren. He was aware of their presence, it said.
Sir Nicholas organised eight trains from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia to carry the youngsters away from the danger in 1939.
He also helped to find foster families for the children once they arrived in England, but he did not reveal his astonishing bravery for half a century.
Last year, after being awarded the Order Of The White Lion by Czech president Milos Zeman at a ceremony in Prague, Sir Nicholas thanked the British people for welcoming the children.
His local MP Home Secretary Theresa May said Sir Nicholas was a "hero of the 20th century".
She said: "Against the odds, he almost single-handedly rescued hundreds of children, mostly Jewish, from the Nazis - an enduring example of the difference that good people can make even in the darkest of times.
"Because of his modesty, this astonishing contribution only came to light many years later. So many people owe their lives to Nicholas and it was fitting that, in his later years, he finally received the recognition he deserved."
Speaking last year, he said he was well aware of the urgency of the situation in 1939, adding some of the children "knew they were in danger of their lives", he said.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The world has lost a great man. We must never forget Sir Nicholas Winton's humanity in saving so many children from the Holocaust."
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