LEDBURY joined the rest of the nation in mourning Queen Elizabeth II after the monarch died aged 96.

Dignitaries from across Herefordshire joined in paying their respects, with books of condolences set up in two town locations for residents to pay their respects.

One is located at St Michael and All Saints Church and one is at the Masters House.

The book at St Michael and All Angels Church will be open over the weekend and the following week from 9am to 6pm.

The book at the Masters House will be open from 9.30am to 12.00pm on Saturday, September 10 and then from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of the following week, as well as Monday, September 19 and Tuesday, September 20.

Ledbury Reporter: Ledbury Town CouncilLedbury Town Council (Image: Ledbury Town Council)

Floral tributes can be laid at the Masters House or at St Michael and All Saints Church.

Mayor of Ledbury Cllr Phillip Howells paid tribute to the monarch, saying: "Even if not a royalist, you couldn't but have respect for her example of duty and dedication to service to the nation which she so prophetically professed on her accession.

"For the majority who have loved and admired the Queen, all she stood for and meant to us over the years, her loss will be keenly felt and mourned.

"It marks a significant shift in world affairs and many will grieve deeply for a queen and an age now lost to us."

Ledbury's MP Sir Bill Wiggin also paid tribute, saying: "While we mourn our loss we should look back and remember all the good things that she stood for, and there are so many.

Ledbury Reporter: TRIBUTE: Sir Bill Wiggin MPTRIBUTE: Sir Bill Wiggin MP (Image: NQ)

"You will read the amazing tributes from all over the world trying to describe her as genuine, affectionate, respectful, wise and so much more.

"All true but as I watched on television people in Windsor putting flowers outside Windsor Castle I couldn't help but feel but that is exactly what the Queen would have liked the most.

"The love and respect of the people whom she loved and gave her whole life to serve.

"We have been blessed to have seen her reign.

"I met her several times and I always felt that it was a privilege and an honour.

"She was interested in all of us and expectedly courteous and polite but with a marvellous and slightly wicked sense of humour too."