The world of science praised former Radlett schoolboy Professor Stephen Hawking, after his death in March.

Professor Hawking, 76, who was one of the world’s most acclaimed cosmologists, died peacefully at his home in Cambridge.

His links to Hertfordshire include attending St Albans High School for Girls, which despite its name took boys until the age of ten, before he went to Radlett School for a year after passing the eleven-plus a year early.

In a statement, his children Lucy, Robert and Tim said: “We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away. His legacy will live on for many years.

“His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.

He once said, ‘It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love’. We will miss him forever.”