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US President Barack Obama has led tributes to Senator Edward Kennedy, who has died from cancer at the age of 77.

Mr Obama described Sen Kennedy as an extraordinary leader and “one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy”.

Lawmakers from both main parties praised a man who but for a scandal in 1969 might have become president.

A Democratic senator since 1962, the liberal stalwart championed issues such as education and health-care reform.

He died late on Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, his family said in a statement. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in May 2008.

US media reports say he will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, where his brothers President John F Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy are also buried.

‘Passion and vigour’

In a televised tribute, Barack Obama called Edward Kennedy a colleague, a counsellor and a friend.

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