Mayor of Ashburton, Cllr Philip Vogel, said: ‘On behalf of Ashburton Town Council and the community it represents, may I offer our heartfelt condolences and our sympathy at this time to Her Late Majesty’s family - it is the passing of an era.

‘Many of our residents will only have known Her Late Majesty as the reigning Monarch, but Ashburton’s association with our Monarch goes back in time as a Stannary Town and because of the Town’s ancient Court Leet and Baron Jury.

‘Some have served in uniformed, public service, and youth organisations, or more informal organisations that pledged allegiance, or acknowledged Her in some way.

‘But whether young or a little older, Her steadfastness, grace, bearing and understanding of Her people endeared Her to us.

‘May Ashburton join Her family, the Country, and the Commonwealth in marking Her Late Majesty’s passing in a period of mourning.

‘Residents wishing to pay their respects may wish to sign the book of Condolence at St Andrew’s Church which will be opened at 11:00 am on Friday 9th September.

‘In addition, flowers and wreaths may be laid in the designated area on the Church Green in front of St Andrews’s Church.’

For the latest updates from Ashburton, visit the town council’s website - https://www.ashburton.org