Tributes paid in Exmouth for Queen Elizabeth

Tributes are pouring in in Exmouth following the announcement of the death of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, according to Buckingham Palace.

East Devon MP Simon Jupp, whose constituency includes Exmouth, said: "My thoughts are with the Royal Family as we mourn at this difficult time.

"Our nation has lost a truly remarkable person who exemplified public service throughout her incredible life.

"Her Majesty The Queen demonstrated a profound strength of character throughout many difficult moments during her long reign as our monarch – the longest in our country's history.

"During many visits to Devon, Her Majesty The Queen was always greeted with the warmth you would expect from our wonderful county.

"We have lost an incredible individual who will live on in all of our hearts."

Devon County Councillors for Exmouth Jeff Trail BEM and Richard Scott, and Devon County Councillor for Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Coastal Christine Channon, said in a joint statement: "As loyal subjects of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we wish to offer our condolences to the Royal Family, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at this sad time.

"The Queen has carried out her duties for the past 70 years as one would expect with majesty, loyalty and honesty.

"Throughout her reign Her Majesty has also supported our Armed Forces with respect, dignity and honour.

"Queen Elizabeth will be a great loss to us all".

Mayor of Exmouth Cllr Steve Gazzard said: "I am very saddened to hear that Her Majesty The Queen has passed away.

"She was a wonderful servant to our country and has played such a significant part in most of our lives, it is difficult to imagine life without her.

"We will mourn her loss for a considerable time and our thoughts are with her family."

East Devon District Councillor for Exmouth Town Joe Whibley said: "'One can only admire the longevity and endeavour of a truly remarkable woman, whatever your views on the Royal Family as a whole. She has been through a great deal and has done so with dignity."

East Devon District Councillor for Exmouth Halsdon Paul Millar said: "Our Queen, to me, epitomised and will continue to epitomise throughout the rest of my life the pride of being British.

"She is rightly admired across the globe, and on behalf of my constituents and myself, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the Royal Family."