BOLTON paid tribute to the Queen Mother as the nation mourned the death of Britain's most loved Royal.

A book of condolence has been opened at the Town Hall to allow people to express their thoughts and sympathies.

Flags are being flown at half-mast above council buildings and above Bolton Parish Church which will also open its own book of condolence from tomorrow.

Arrangements have been made for an inter-faith memorial service at Bolton Parish Church. It will take place at 3pm next Sunday.

Cllr Kevan Helsby, Bolton's mayor, will be sending a letter of condolence on behalf of the town's residents to The Queen and the Royal Family.

He said: "Everyone was deeply saddened by the news and our thoughts go out to the Royal Family at this sad time.

"The Queen Mother was a much-loved figure who had a huge empathy with ordinary people. Wherever she went, she was greeted by throngs of well-wishers.

"She was a charming lady whose sense of humour captured the hearts of people .

"She gave great support to her husband King George VI and was greatly admired for her sense of duty.

"In the Mayor's Parlour in the Town Hall, there is, to this day, a photograph of their visit to HMS Dido which was Bolton's adopted ship."

The memorial service will be conducted by the Vicar of Bolton, the Rev Michael Williams along with the Bishop of Bolton, the Rt Rev David Gillett, the Roman Catholic Area Dean of Bolton, the Very Rev Henry Jones, and representatives from the Methodist Church and the Salvation Army.

The Rev Williams said: "The Queen Mother was a great lady and she will be missed. She represented a pathway through the 20th Century and was a pillar of strength through the traumas of two World Wars."

Bolton's MPs also gave messages of support to the Royal Family. Brian Iddon, Bolton South-east MP, said: "It's a sad time. The Royal Family plays an important role in the lives of many people in this country and it is always sad to hear of a death."

David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, said: "She was the most popular Royal who was adored across the generations.

"I found it admirable that she never put a foot wrong and she made such a fabulous contribution to morale in Britain during a time of crisis."