Tributes are pouring in in Bridport following the announcement of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, according to Buckingham Palace.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder, said: "I am so immensely sad to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

"Queen Elizabeth has been our monarch for 70 years. The most incredible Head of the nation and the commonwealth, a true constant in all our lives, she leaves the most enormous void. Queen Elizabeth has visited us in West Dorset on many occasions and on behalf of the people of West Dorset I extend my deepest sympathies to the Royal Family as we share in their grief and to whom I send our deepest condolences. God save the King."

Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Ian Bark, commented: "Queen Elizabeth II reigned for more than 70 years and was the longest-serving monarch in British history. During her reign, we have seen major changes in many aspects of our society and times of great turbulence, but she has remained a constant in our lives throughout, a serene and measured presence as our head of state. As a nation, we mourn her passing with enormous sorrow.

"On behalf of the town of Bridport, I offer our sincerest condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time and our deepest gratitude for Her Majesty's lifelong service as the mother of our nation.

"Except for a short period following the proclamation of a new monarch, Union Flags at the Town Hall, Mountfield, and Bridport Cemetery will fly at half-mast, and from Monday 12 September a Book of Condolence will be available on weekdays at the Town Hall, until the day following the funeral. For those unable to visit in person who would like to express written condolences, these should be sent to the Town Clerk, Bridport Town Council, Mountfield, Rax Lane, Bridport DT6 3JP, or email [email protected], for inclusion in the Book of Condolence.

"For those wishing to lay flowers in remembrance of the Queen, please place your tributes in Bucky Doo Square, mindful of the need to maintain a public thoroughfare.

"Subject to timings to be confirmed by national protocol, it is expected that the local proclamation of Her Majesty's successor will take place at 6pm on Saturday 10th September, outside the Town Hall in Bucky Doo Square. The date of the funeral has yet to be confirmed."

Councillor Val Pothecary, Chairman of Dorset Council, said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and the country as we mourn the loss of Her Majesty, and I would like to offer them our heartfelt condolences.

"We give thanks for her wonderful life and years of devotion to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She has been an inspiration to us all."