The streets of Ross town centre were packed with townspeople awaiting the proclamation of the new king on Sunday afternoon after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday evening.

In a tribute to our longest-ever serving monarch after a 70-year reign, Ross-on-Wye Town Council and the mayor Cllr Ed O’Driscoll said: “We wish to express our thanks to the community of Ross-on-Wye for turning out in their hundreds for the proclamation ceremony which took place on Sunday September 11, and to everyone who helped make the event a success.

“We understand this has been a difficult time for the nation, and we hope this event and those coming up will assist the town in coming to terms with the sad loss of Her Majesty the Queen.”

Books of condolence for Her Majesty remain open at St Mary’s Church (open every day from 9am to 6pm) and The Larruperz Centre (Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm, and Sunday 1pm to 5pm). The books will be available until 6pm on Tuesday September 20.

There will be a special commemorative service for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at St Mary’s Church at 7pm on Sunday September 18, and the church will be live streaming the state funeral on Monday, September 19, and is open to anyone wishing to attend.

MP Jesse Norman said: “I pay tribute to HM Queen for a lifetime dedicated to extraordinary public service. Her contribution to the fabric and stability of this nation, to its international reputation and to charitable causes around the world over 70 years is inestimable. Herefordians will I am sure remember with particular warmth and gratitude her wonderful visit to Herefordshire for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Thank you Ma’am. RIP.”