Southwell residents pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Southwell Minster following her death

Shock and grief turned to celebration and happy memories as Southwell residents paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen.

Southwell Minster announced that a book of condolence would been open and that the minster will be staying open until 7.30pm tonight.

The books will be available for signing from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm until the day after the Queen's state funeral to allow the public to make their own personal tributes.

Canon Richard Frith, in charge of music and liturgy at Southwell Minster led the tributes, saying: "The Queen's impact on the world and our country cannot be measured.

"There will be a huge outpouring of grief in the coming days which we feel and share at the Minster.

"It is our privilege to be a small part of the national mourning and thanksgiving.

"We hope the Minster will be a place people feel able to visit regardless of faith or background and offer thanks and praise for everything that Her Majesty has done for us."

The bells of Southwell Minster rang out, chiming a total of 96 times to represent the 96 years of the Queen's life. At noon, the chimes were replaced by an hour of melancholic muffled bells.

Prayer cards and sheets designed for children are also available to help them understand the news.

Catherine Heath travelled from Shelford and was the first to lay flowers at the minster's west door.

She said: "I can't explain why I'm so upset. My son has gone down to London to visit Buckingham Palace and I almost got on a train myself.

"It's difficult to put into words, but I just felt like I needed to pay my respects light a candle because she was like a mother, not just to the nation but the whole world."

The flowers also had a special meaning behind them.

"I chose to bring yellow and white flowers because they were the Queen's favourite." Said Catherine.

"When she came through here many years ago she approached a friend of mine out of a huge crowd because she was holding a yellow and white bouquet."

Jill Pepper and Kay Padmore were sitting in the beautiful minster gardens reflecting.

"We were sitting in the garden enjoying how peaceful and still it was, when all of a sudden the bells began ringing." They said.

"Without even thinking about it we just started counting the chimes, all 96 of them, one for every year of her life. I think it's such a wonderful thing to do."

Chief Officer of Southwell Minster, Canon Nigel Spraggins was encouraged by the response to the death of our monarch, saying: "I was pleasantly surprised by the number of folks who took a moment to stop and reflect along the west path as the church bells were tolling.

"It's a little early to gauge how this will all pan out, but someone told me just a few weeks ago that the biggest Sunday service turnout in history was for the service immediately after the death of Queen Victoria, so I wonder if we're in for the same."

Judith Bacon travelled from Meden Vale with her daughter, Hannah Bacon-Clarke to show their respects.

"We wanted to do something as soon as we could locally because travelling all the way down to London isn't always possible." The family said.

"She was an icon to all generations and she did it not for fortune or fame, but out of duty.

"Not only is she an symbol of Britain but everyone around the world had respect for her."

Southwell residents Ruth and Richard Weston-Price said: "She was a blessed lady, loved by the nation and the world. She leaves behind a massive hole and will be deeply missed.

"God bless King Charles."