Somerset dignitaries have been paying heartfelt tributes following the death of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday.

Chair of Somerset County Council, 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.”

Annie Maw, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, said: “We have lost one of the greatest people of our age. 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.”