SORROW cast a shadow across the Wellington and Wiveliscombe areas this week as communities large and small paid their respects and tributes on the death of the Queen after 70 years as the country’s sovereign.

Church bells tolled, prayers were said, candles lit, floral tributes laid, books of condolence opened, and civic leaders spoke movingly on how Her Majesty had touched their communities.

Council meetings were cancelled and many sporting and social events and other activities were postponed as a mark of respect.

And then, public proclamations were read to mark the accession of King Charles III in a tradition dating a thousand years.

The Local Proclamation for Somerset - the official local announcement of the Queen’s death and acknowledgement of the commencement of the King’s new reign, was read by the High Sheriff of Somerset, Jennifer Duke, in front of the Market House, in Taunton town centre, on Sunday morning.

Click through our gallery of photos as Somerset salutes The Queen:

In the afternoon, the Mayor of Wellington Cllr Mark Lithgow read a proclamation of accession in front of a large crowd of residents who gathered outside St John’s Parish Church.

The event was led by Wellington Curate the Rev Richard Kelley, who offered prayers.

Cllr Lithgow had earlier offered a tribute after the death of the Queen in which he said: “The world has changed beyond recognition during her 70 years on the throne, but she has been a consistent part of all of our lives throughout that change.

“She carried out her role with grace and dignity, was an inspiration to many, and will be missed.

“On behalf of the people of Wellington, I would like to pass our deepest condolences to King Charles III and the other members of the Royal Family on the passing of Queen Elizabeth.”

Two books of condolence have been placed in St John’s Church and are available for signing until Tuesday from 10 am until 3 pm.

The books will be kept in the town council’s archives as a memory of the historic occasion.

Floral tributes were being left on the approach to the church, with a request for people to remove any cellophane wrapping.

The Mayor and town councillors will also be taking part in a service of commemoration and thanksgiving for the life of the Queen Elizabeth which is being held in St John’s Church on Sunday at 9.45 am when the public are also invited to attend.

On Sunday evening a National Moment of Reflection is being held at 8 pm and across the area people wanting to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen are being encouraged to mark the occasion in their homes, on their doorsteps, and with neighbours in their local communities by observing a one-minute silence.

Cllr Lithgow will lead a community ‘moment of reflection’ at the town council’s public space in High Street at 8 pm on Sunday which can be attended by anybody who would like to be present.

A two-minute silence will also be led by the Mayor outside St John’s at 11 am on Monday, the day of the funeral.

Wiveliscombe Town Council chairman Cllr Roger Wilson said: “Her duty, service, and devotion to the people of this country and the Commonwealth was truly exceptional.”

A book of condolence for residents to sign has been placed in Wiveliscombe House, in The Square, which is open 10 am to 1 pm on week days.

Floral tributes being laid in the town’s Jubilee Gardens, with residents requested to leave them unwrapped.

The flowers will be removed on Tuesday to be composted and used to plant a commemorative tree in the gardens.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) also opened a books of condolence at Deane House, Taunton, while Somerset County Council opened them in County Hall, Taunton, and every public library until Tuesday, when they will be archived in the Somerset Heritage Centre.

SWT chairman Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey said: “We pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, who was loved and respected around the world, and give thanks for her incredible lifetime of service carried out with grace and dignity.

“Our thoughts are with His Majesty The King and the Royal Family at this sad time.

“On behalf of the residents of Somerset West and Taunton we offer our heartfelt condolences.”

Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw said: “We have lost one of the greatest people of our age.

“On behalf of the people of Somerset, I would like to offer my most sincere sympathy to her family who, we must remember, have lost a beloved, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

“As a nation, we too, have lost a person without whom life will never be the same.

“We must now repay her trust by acting with the dignity and respect which she would have expected and which she deserves.

“During her long life she has set us an exemplary example of devoted service to us all within the Commonwealth.

“Against so many odds, her message has always been one of peace, unity, and partnership.

“We have been immeasurably privileged to have her as our Queen and sovereign for so many years.

“We now wish to welcome and support her son, Charles, as our King.

“From the people of Somerset, Long Live the King.”

The Rt Rev Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley, Bishop of Taunton, said: “On behalf of the Diocese of Bath and Wells and the people of Somerset, Bishop Ruth and I would like to express our sorrow at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“When she was just 21, the future Queen Elizabeth said ‘I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service’. Today, her long life has come to an end.

“We give thanks for her life. A life of service and daily steadfastness in which the light of Jesus Christ has shone throughout the years. We now commend her to His care and keeping.

“For almost all of us, we cannot recall life before the Queen’s steady, consistent presence among us, and we are reeling at her loss.

“Our churches are open for everyone. To light a candle, say a prayer, sign a book of condolence, lay some flowers, talk to someone about your feelings and thoughts. We are here for you.

“Her loss will be felt most heavily by her family and we remember them in our prayers in the coming days and weeks.”

Updates on services in Somerset to mark the life of Queen Elizabeth II will be posted on the diocesan website.

Critical county council services, such as social care will continue to be delivered on the newly announced Bank Holiday Monday held to mark the day of the Queen’s funeral and planned weddings will able to go ahead, but most other buildings and services will be closed, including County Hall reception, the contact centre, and all libraries

Highway works will be suspended except for any emergencies, and schools and further education settings will be closed.