Tributes paid in Sidmouth for Queen Elizabeth

Tributes are pouring in in Sidmouth following the announcement of the death of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II.

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

East Devon MP Simon Jupp, whose constituency includes Sidmouth, said: "My thoughts are with the Royal Family as we mourn at this difficult time.

"Our nation has lost a truly remarkable person who exemplified public service throughout her incredible life.

"Her Majesty The Queen demonstrated a profound strength of character throughout many difficult moments during her long reign as our monarch – the longest in our country's history.

"During many visits to Devon, Her Majesty The Queen was always greeted with the warmth you would expect from our wonderful county.

"We have lost an incredible individual who will live on in all of our hearts."

Devon County Councillor for Sidmouth Stuart Hughes said: "The passing of Her Majesty the Queen is the most devastating news and especially coming during her Platinum Jubilee year. My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this very sad time.

"The passing of the Queen is an end of a remarkable era she has been part of each and every one of our lives and our nation's history."

East Devon District Councillor for Sidmouth Town Denise Bickley said: "It is a sad day, and a seismic shift for the country. 

"There is a feeling of loss and of an era passing, which may shake us all in ways we were not expecting.

"The Queen was a steady constant in all our lives, and the sense that the ground has shifted is testament to her calming reassuring influence. May she rest in peace."

Chair of Sidmouth Town Council Cllr Chris Lockyear said: "On behalf of Sidmouth Town Council and the people of Sidmouth I would like to express my deep sadness at the announcement of the death of the Queen. She has served this nation with steadfastness and distinction for over 70 years and is the only monarch most of us will have known.

"As a sign of respect, flags will be flown at half-mast at Woolcombe House, the Three-Cornered Plot and elsewhere in Sidmouth.

"A book of condolence will be opened at Woolcombe House which anyone is welcome to come and sign from 9am-1pm Monday to Friday. A link to an online book will be available via the Council website."