Mayor of Newark took a book of condolence for the Queen for care home residents to sign, including Lancaster Grange

The Mayor of Newark, Laurence Goff, took a book of condolence for the Queen to care homes as residents could not go to places where they were available to sign.

Among the care homes he visited was Lancaster Grange at Fernwood.

Residents signing the book of condolence included Ann Griffiths, who was born in 1937, and Elsie Haines, who was born in 1928.

Both women said the Queen had been a constant throughout their lives, beginning with watching her coronation on the television.

"We don't know a world without her," said Ann.

Elsie said: "I used to listen to her broadcasts. 2.45pm in our household on Christmas Day was also a day where we'd sit down in front of the TV for the Christmas message."

Ann said: "We had to make sure that we'd had our Christmas dinner in time for her to speak."

The home's senior activities co-ordinator, Charlotte Thompson said: "It's a great honour for the residents to have the mayor bring them a book of condolence to sign.

"It has been quite a challenge for a lot of our residents since the Queen's death because she was such a constant throughout their lives.

"We have done lots within the home on the Queen and her reign, a lot of reminiscing. It has been very emotional.

"Our thoughts are with our residents and the Royal Family."

The mayor also visited Strawberry Fields, South Collingham Hall, Red Roofs Residential and Bowbridge Court care homes with the book of condolence.

As well as many of the larger care homes in Newark, the list includes some where the mayor has a personal connection through volunteering there.

All were said to be delighted to accept the offer of such a visit.

In a message sent to the new king, Mr Goff wrote: "I write on behalf of the council and residents of Newark-on-Trent to express our condolences to His Majesty The King on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"Earlier this year, we celebrated the unique event of Her Royal Highness’s platinum jubilee together, and now we mourn the Queen’s death together with the same gratitude for her life and reign.

"It is a deep loss shared across the nation and the world.

"The words of the then Princess Elizabeth on her 21st birthday, when she promised that she would devote her 'whole life, whether it be long or short' to the service of her people here and abroad, have always had a great personal significance to me.

"Most heads of state chose to put themselves forward for their role. The Queen did not and yet throughout her long and glorious life, her sense of public duty never wavered. It will remain an example to us all."