TRIBUTES have been pouring in today to mark the third anniversary of the murder of local MP Jo Cox at the hands of a far-right extremist.

Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox was aged 41 when she was shot and stabbed by extremist Thomas Mair outside Birstall Library, where she was due to hold a surgery with constituents, on June 16, 2016.

Mrs Cox died as a result of her injuries, and Thomas Mair was handed a whole life order for her murder, meaning he will never be released from prison.

She was the first sitting MP to be assassinated since 1990.

On the third anniversary of her death, various tributes have been paid to the former Heckmondwike Grammar School head girl, who fought for peace and equality during her working life.

Tracy Brabin, who succeeded Mrs Cox as MP for Batley and Spen, said: "Batley and Spen will never forget.

"Inspired by Jo, we’ll continue to look for common ground with those who disagree.

"We’ll celebrate our diversity and shout loud about our great community, it’s ambition, kindness, creativity, and compassion.

"Our thoughts are with her family today."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "Three years ago today our brilliant colleague Jo Cox was murdered by a far-right extremist.

"From Jo’s death to the attacks in Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge, to the murder of Makram Ali, families and communities have come together to say we won't be divided."

Speaking on television, Kim Leadbeater, Mrs Cox's sister, said: "I hope in the months and years to come we can create a really powerful legacy for Jo based on bringing people together, focusing on the common values we share as human beings.

"We all have a responsibility to do something good and we have to stop shouting at each other and start listening to each other, to understand other people's positions and perspectives.

"As long as there is strength in my bones that is what I'm going to focus on for Jo, for her children and for the country as a whole, and for anybody who has lost somebody under the horrific circumstances we have."

The Jo Cox Foundation, set up in Mrs Cox's memory, is holding its Great Get Together events next weekend, with June 22 being Mrs Cox's birthday, and a number of events are taking place across the district, full details of which can be found at greatgettogether.org