Petersfield mayor Councillor Peter Clist has lead the town’s tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who he has described as a “remarkable woman”.

“As a nation, we have so much to thank her for,” said Cllr Clist. “Our overriding reaction is to note her simple and continuing devotion to her duty and her people.

“In a famous broadcast at the age of 21, she pledged herself to a life of service, no matter how long that would be. As a young wife and mother, when she learned of the death of her beloved father, she unhesitatingly accepted her new role.

“We are grateful that she lived to see and celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. As always, the nation celebrated with her, not least here in Petersfield.

“It is a remarkable woman that the nation now mourns.  The key to her surviving many difficult times in the lives of her people and of her family has been her basic human decency and integrity. We will miss her.

“We send our condolences to the royal family and especially to His Majesty King Charles III.”

Flowers and tributes can be left outside St Peter’s Church.