Ashby de la Zouch is in mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II - a town which has had a special connection with the Monarch.

Buckingham Palace has announced that The Queen has died after her family made their way to Balmoral on Thursday afternoon.

The Ashby-based leader of Leicestershire County Council, Nick Rushton, said:: "We are all deeply moved to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

"I speak on behalf of the elected members and those working for the County Council.

"Many of us have only ever known one Monarch – such has been the remarkable reign of Queen Elizabeth the Second. 

"As a mark of respect, during the period of Royal mourning, the Union and County Flags have been half-masted at County Hall.

"Our headquarters will also be illuminated in purple until after The Queen's funeral.

"The Chairman will be attending only those official engagements of a formal nature and will not be wearing his insignia."

St Helen's Church has said that it will be open tomorrow (Friday) and the next few days if people want to come in, pray, find a quiet space or light a candle.

Former Ashby Mayor Graham Allman said: "It is with heartfelt sadness, as three times past Mayor and Mayoress, that we hear of the passing, in her beloved Balmoral Castle ,of HRH Queen Elizabeth 11. 

"We first met our Queen in Aberdeenshire early in our marriage in the mid 80s, and then on several occasions at Buckingham Palace and other Royal Palaces.

"Her radiant smile was always most welcoming as though we were old long lost friends. 

"Our last meeting was at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 2015 at which we attended by personal invitation, with our son Piers and daughter Pennelope in recognition of our families' continuing work for good causes.

"Once again HRH welcomed us, acknowledging with warmth and accord, remembering that we represented Ashby de la Zouch and North West Leicestershire. Cherished memories of a great Monarch.

"May she rest at peace and God bless the King, King Charles III. Long may he reign over us."

North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen went to Buckingham Palace to pay his respects.

He posted on social media and said: "I know the Royal family are not here, but I felt I had to come, it's raining but given the crowds many, many people felt the same as me. God protect the Queen. God save the King."

Ashby has played a special role in her reign - and celebrated her Platinum Jubilee with a street party only three months ago.

The town built up a reputation as staging one of the country's best street parties over the years.

With Union Jacks decorating the town's main street, it became something of a tradtion for Ashby to honour the Queen.

In June, wet weather almost forced it to be called off.

But Ashby de la Zouch Town Council refused to be daunted and went ahead on the Jubilee Sunday.

It was a once in a lifetime experience that no-one there will forget.

People knew it was the last Jubilee celebration for a generation - and, despite the rain, they made the most of it.

Flags will be at half-mast and tributes from local dignitaries have been made from across the North West Leicestershire District.

Councillor Russell Boam, Chairman of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "North West Leicestershire District Council joins the nation in mourning the death of Her Majesty The Queen on this very sad day.

"Her Majesty dedicated her life to the service of this country and the Commonwealth and we are grateful for that service.

"We will fly the Union Flag at half-mast at the Council Offices during the period of Royal mourning.

"Members of the public are welcome to lay floral tributes at our temporary garden of remembrance on the lawns outside the Council Offices, where you will also be able to sign the book of condolence."

Books of condolence will be opened today (Friday) at the North West Leicestershire District Council Offices on Whitwick Road in Coalville (LE67 3FJ).

This will be available to sign between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday.