Bolton mourns after death of Queen Elizabeth II who died aged 96

Since her passing at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne, there has been a strong sense of sadness across the borough with people sharing tributes to the late Monarch.

At a signing of the book of condolences on Friday, council leader Martyn Cox and deputy mayor, Cllr Linda Thomas, shared their thoughts.

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Linda Thomas, Bolton Council Leader Martyn Cox, Chief Executive of Bolton Council Tony Oakman and Cllr Martin Donaghy signed the book of condolences at Bolton Town Hall in the Mayor's Parlour (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Cox said: "I think, like everybody, I feel a real sadness because she had been such a feature of our lives for 70 years and many of us myself included can't remember any time without her but I'm trying to think about how lucky we were to have her.

"She set a wonderful example to anybody in public service, I think she set a fantastic example to the nation.

"I think you saw by the reaction worldwide what the rest of the world thought about her, she was Queen of 14 countries, head of the Commonwealth, she will be recognised I'm sure as the greatest Monarch the country has had."

Cllr Thomas said: "Rest in peace Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"The Queen was respected, admired and loved for her life time of dedication and service to the people of this country and the commonwealth

"She is kind of everybody's mother and grandmother isn't she?

"On a personal level, deepest sympathies to her family because they are like any family when you lose a senior member of it, it's very traumatic."

People across the borough have also expressed their sadness.

Kanokporn Farrelly, 56, from Bolton, placed flowers at the front of the town hall to pay her respects (Image: Newsquest)

Kanokporn Farrelly, 56, from Bolton, placed flowers at the front of the town hall this morning to pay her respects.

She said: "I felt very sad, I cried, I was so shocked and just couldn't believe it, I liked her a lot.

"I came today (Friday) with flowers to lay in her memory."

Several ex-serving members of the armed forces have said it has also affected them because they signed to serve Queen and country.

Daniel Crompton, 48 said: "I was really sad, I was in the army for ten years so it's a great loss.

"I think a lot of people will be feeling sad today, definitely, without a doubt.

"She was like our leader, she brought so much into and out of the country, it's just sad."

It is likely people will continue to mourn the loss of the Queen in the coming days as memorial events happen across the borough.