TRIBUTES from across the region have been flooding in this evening, marking the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw paid tribute to ‘one of the greatest people of our age’.
Mrs Maw said: “On behalf of the people of Somerset, I would like to offer my most sincere sympathy to her family who, we must remember, have lost a beloved, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
“As a nation, we too, have lost a person without whom life will never be the same. We must now repay her trust by acting with the dignity and respect which she would have expected and which she deserves.
“During her long life she has set us an exemplary example of devoted service to us all within the Commonwealth.
“Against so many odds, her message has always been one of peace, unity, and partnership. We have been immeasurably privileged to have her as our Queen and sovereign for so many years.
“We now wish to welcome and support her son, Charles, as our King. From the people of Somerset, long live the King.”
Somerset County Council chairman Cllr Mike Best said: “On behalf of our residents, Somerset County Council offers deepest sympathies to the Royal family on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Details on books of condolence, church services, floral tributes, and funeral arrangements will follow in due course.”
Former Somerset County Council chairman Cllr David Fothergill paid a personal tribute this evening to Her Majesty.
Cllr Fothergill said: “For the length of my life I have never known a monarch other than Queen Elizabeth II.
“She has been a bedrock of our nation, a permanence of lives, and a spiritual leader who we have looked up to and admired. Rest in peace your majesty, your work is done.”
A book of condolences is being placed in St John’s Parish Church, Wellington, from late Friday morning for residents to pay their tributes to Her Majesty, it has been confirmed.
Wellington Mayor Cllr Mark Lithgow will also read a statement and proclamation outside the church on Saturday.
Cllr Lithgow, paid tribute to Her Majesty on behalf of the town tonight, saying: “The world has changed beyond recognition during her 70 years on the throne, but she has been a consistent part of all of our lives throughout that change.
“She carried out her role with grace and dignity, was an inspiration to many, and will be missed.
“On behalf of the people of Wellington, I would like to pass our deepest condolences to King Charles III and the other members of the Royal family on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.”
Town council clerk Dave Farrow said: “The council will be making arrangements for the people of Wellington to pay their respects. We will keep you updated on our plans as they are finalised.”
And Chief Constable Sarah Crew said everybody in the Avon and Somerset Police force was deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
She said: “Her devotion and extraordinary public service have been a continual source of pride and inspiration to us all.
“On behalf of our officers, police staff, and volunteers, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal family, as well as to the public we serve at this time of national mourning.
“Now is the time for communities to come together for a period of remembrance and reflection, as we pay our respects to a monarch who has faithfully and stoically served us during her historic reign.
“We will be flying our flag at half-mast across Avon and Somerset as a mark of respect at our police headquarters in Portishead, as well as other police locations.
“Memorial plans will be announced by local authorities in due course.”
Ms Crew said a book of condolence was being set-up and details of how members of the public could sign it would be announced as soon as they had been finalised.