A BOOK of condolence has been opened at Bury Town Hall for residents to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who died on Saturday.

The Mayor of Bury, Coun Paul Nesbit, led the civic tributes by signing the book, describing Her Majesty as a "common Queen for the common people".

He said: "She brought the monarchy into the 20th century as she was the first royal lady to do a walkabout. Where she has trodden, other people have followed.

"When I heard the news my first thoughts were for the Queen as she has recently lost her sister and now her mother."

He added: "The Queen Mother lived a tremendous length of time and had a long and happy life, which is some comfort. She made the title her own. Who can follow in her footsteps?"

Councillor Paul Nesbit and his wife Shirley sign the book of condolence.

Union flags across Bury flew at half mast, prayers were said throughout the borough's churches, and a minute's silence has been held at many sporting events this week.

The Queen Mother visited the town with her husband King George VI on two occasions, in May 1938 and March 1945.

Bury Council leader, Coun John Byrne, paid tribute to the Queen Mother's devotion to the nation and the support she gave to "her people" during the Second World War.

He said: "Through her life she witnessed many changes and, along with King George, provided great support to the people of this country during the Second World War. She kept spirits up just by her presence. She showed that the Royal Family cared about the nation and its people."

The Rev John Findon, Rector of Bury, who has also opened a book of condolence, said: "The Queen Mother was part of everyone's past. People will remember her as someone who was warm, caring and a lady who enjoyed life.

"She had a great twinkle in her eye and she will be sadly missed."

Deputy Mayor and Father of Bury Council, Councillor Bill Johnson, MBE, met her many years ago at a ceremony in Manchester. He said: "I met her when I was chairman of the Tottington Urban District Council. My wife and I were invited to Manchester Cathedral. She sat directly in front of us and she would turn and chat with us.

"I remember the choir sang an anthem and she just turned and said 'wasn't that beautiful'.

He added: "She was a real lady, a gem, and I am proud to have been able to speak with such a unique lady."

Bury North MP David Chaytor said: "No matter what views people might have on the role of the monarchy in the 21st century, most would have been saddened as I was to hear the announcement from Buckingham Palace.

"The Queen Mother endeared herself to the public and became history itself. It is difficult to contemplate all the changes that took place in her lifetime."

Bury South MP Ivan Lewis added: "She was a remarkable person who enjoyed a special affection in the heart of the nation.

"Her dignity, courage and leadership qualities played a major part in sustaining the morale of the British people through the traumas and tragedies of the Second World War.

"My generation should never forget the debt of gratitude we owe to her generation. In the days ahead I hope people will celebrate her life as much as mourn her passing."

A special thanksgiving service will be held at Bury Parish Church on Monday at 7.30pm while St Thomas's Church in Rochdale Road will also hold a memorial service on Monday (April 8) at 11am.