Tributes from across the region have poured in after the death of the country’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen. 96, died on Thursday, plunging the country into mourning.

A regional proclamation from the High Sheriff in Taunton will take place at 1pm on Sunday 11th September, and on the steps of the Guildhall in Bath by Cllr Shaun Stephenson-McGall, at 2pm.

Midsomer Norton Town Council said flags will fly at half-mast until 8am on the day after the Queen’s funeral.

Books of condolence were opened on Friday 9th September at Bath Guildhall, Keynsham Community Space, and Midsomer Norton Library and Information Service for people to pay their respects, and will remain open until 5pm on the day following the funeral.

Mourners wishing to gather and lay flowers can do so at Parade Gardens, Bath (no entrance fee), the Memorial Park, Keynsham and the Hollies Garden, Midsomer Norton. Only floral tributes or candles should be left.

Bath and North East Somerset Council said the Chair’s diary of events had been suspended until further notice, but services run as normal unless stated otherwise.

Midsomer Norton Town Council said its events and meetings have cancelled until further notice.

“We will be asking that our condolences be passed to King Charles III,” a town council spokesperson said.

Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall, Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “On behalf of the people of Bath and North East Somerset we are flying flags on our buildings at half-mast and invite those wishing to leave a message of sympathy for the Royal Family to do so in one of our books of condolence which are now open. People are also welcome to lay flowers in Parade Gardens in Bath, in Keynsham Memorial Gardens, in the Hollies Garden in Midsomer Norton and Haycombe Cemetery, to honour the Queen.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris called the Queen “an exemplar who always put service first”.

“It is almost unimaginable such a reliable fixture in our lives is no longer with us,” he added.

“As so many across the country mourn this huge loss, I send my deepest sympathies and those of residents of the West of England, to the King, the Queen Consort and everyone who loved this most remarkable woman.”

The Rt Revd Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells and the Rt Revd Ruth Worsley expressed their sorrow at the news.

In a joint statement they gave thanks for “a life of service and daily steadfastness in which the light of Jesus Christ has shone throughout the years”.

“For almost all of us, we cannot recall life before the Queen’s steady, consistent presence among us, and we are reeling at her loss,” they added.

“Our churches are open for everyone. To light a candle, say a prayer, sign a book of condolence, lay some flowers, talk to someone about your feelings and thoughts. We are here for you.

“Her loss will be felt most heavily by her family and we remember them in our prayers.

“Let us all give thanks for Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”

The Very Revd Dr John Davies, Dean of Wells said: “Wells Cathedral has received the news of the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen with huge sadness. Hers was a life of faith, duty and loyalty that brought such reassurance and a sense of unity to so many. She has been a source of constancy and strength to many throughout her reign and has provided stability in a world that has changed so much. Our prayers are for the King, the Royal Family, and loved ones. The doors of this cathedral stand open for all who wish to offer prayers and condolences, light candles and find solace as this nation mourns the passing of someone so very special. May our late and beloved Queen rest in peace and rise in glory.”

The cathedral is also open for people to attend services, to pray and reflect, to leave floral tributes, and sign a book of condolence.

The Freemason’s said it was “with the greatest sadness that they learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”.

Queen Elizabeth’s father and the Duke of Edinburgh were both Freemasons, and her cousin, the Duke of Kent, has been Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England since 1967. Another cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, has been Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales since 1982.

Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath said the Queen’s death was “devastating news for the country”.

“The Queen was a loyal and committed stateswoman who represented the best of the country for 70 years,” she added.

“The reaction shows in what massive esteem the Queen is held.

“Her legacy will live on as a fantastic head of state.

“The Queen represented duty and courage, as well as warmth and compassion. She was a living reminder of our collective past, of the greatest generation and their sacrifices for our freedom.

“My thoughts are with Her Majesty’s family at what must be an impossibly difficult time.”

Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Trinity Methodist Church Westfield was open for prayer and reflection from 10am-12 this Friday and Saturday. Paulton Methodist Church is also open for prayer and reflection from 12-2pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A Book of Condolence will be available for those who wish to use it.