Mourners have been paying their respects to Queen Elizabeth II in Bury ahead of a service in the town centre which will mark the beginning of her son King Charles III's reign.

Yesterday, Friday. councillors, residents and the mayor of Bury lay flowers in respect alongside signing books of condolences to the UK's longest-serving Monarch, who sat on the throne for 70 years.

Bury Times: Procession to Kay Gardens from the Town HallProcession to Kay Gardens from the Town Hall (Image: Harriet Heywood)

James Daly, MP for Bury North, attended Kay Gardens, along with borough mayor, Cllr Shaheena Haroon, council leader, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, and other members of the local authority.

Bury Times: James Daly paid his respects in Kay Gardens by leaving flowers James Daly paid his respects in Kay Gardens by leaving flowers (Image: Harriet Heywood)

Mr Daly said: “We are here in Kay Gardens laying flowers and then we're going to go over to Bury Town Hall to sign a book of condolence that anybody can come and sign for Her Majesty the Queen.

Bury Times: Council leader, Eamonn O'Brien, paid his respects in Kay GardensCouncil leader, Eamonn O'Brien, paid his respects in Kay Gardens (Image: Harriet Heywood)

"I'm not sure the words I have can truly do justice to the contribution that Her Majesty made to this country.

"What I do think is that our towns and villages are united together to recognise her unique contribution over the seven decades and her dedication to the Commonwealth.

Bury Times: Mayor, councillor Shaheena Haroon paid her respect in Kay Gardens by leaving flowers Mayor, councillor Shaheena Haroon paid her respect in Kay Gardens by leaving flowers (Image: Harriet Heywood)

"She was a truly remarkable lady and it's an honour to be here today (Friday) in Kay Gardens celebrating her life."

Queen Elizabeth II visited Bury five times, twice as a young girl and three times as monarch. 

She even travelled to Bury on the tram following its opening in St Peter's Square in Manchester. 

Bury Times: Flowers on the steps of the Kay Gardens memorialFlowers on the steps of the Kay Gardens memorial (Image: Harriet Heywood)

Following the flower laying, councillors proceeded to the town hall, a building that The Queen herself opened, to sign a book of condolences. 

Bury Times: James Daly signing the book of condolences for the QueenJames Daly signing the book of condolences for the Queen (Image: Harriet Heywood)

Similar books are available for people to pay their respects in Ramsbottom, Radcliffe, Tottington and Prestwich libraries. 

 

Bury Times: Mayor, councillor Shaheena Haroon condolenceMayor, councillor Shaheena Haroon condolence (Image: Harriet Heywood)

After the national proclamation of the new monarch, King Charles III, today, Saturday, there will be a proclamation in Bury tomorrow, Sunday.

It will be held in Union Square, opposite the main entrance of Bury Town Hall at 3pm.

Bury Times: Mayor, councillor Shaheena Haroon, signing the book of condolenceMayor, councillor Shaheena Haroon, signing the book of condolence (Image: Harriet Heywood)

Flags will flown at half-mast across the borough until 11am today, Saturday, when they will be raised to full mast to mark the national proclamation of the new King.

They will then be lowered to half-mast at 1pm on Sunday in line with protocol.

The proclamation will be delivered by the the borough mayor and Knowsley Street will be closed for the brief duration of the announcement.

Residents are welcome to attend, or watch the proclamation on the council's live stream at https://councilstream.com/burycouncil.

Bury Times: Bury Parish Church flew the Union Jack at half mast Bury Parish Church flew the Union Jack at half mast (Image: Harriet Heywood)

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