Queen Elizabeth II: Monarch's dedication 'impossible to put into words'

The Queen's lifetime of dedication is "impossible to put into words", mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said as the region paid tribute to her.

The monarch was a "constant throughout all our lives, providing hope, strength, and unity through some of the country's toughest times," he added.

Events have been postponed as a mark of respect, including this weekend's Birmingham International Tattoo.

Flags were being flown at half-mast at buildings across the region.

Mr Street said Queen Elizabeth II's "standards and values made her the Queen she was, and it is these hallmarks that must continue to guide us.

"Many across the West Midlands will hold dear personal memories of Her Majesty, but on behalf of our region I simply want to say 'thank you'.

"Thank you for your service, your dedication, and most of all for your unwavering commitment to your people."

One of the Queen's last visits to Birmingham was part of her Diamond Jubilee tour in 2012

It is less than a year since Kadeena Cox met the Queen at the start of the Commonwealth baton's 90,000-mile journey

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Maureen Cornish, said the Queen's reign was "an extraordinary one that will never be forgotten".

She added she had written to His Majesty the King on behalf of the city's people "offering our deepest sympathies and to convey the sadness that is being felt".

Books of condolence were opened across the city, including at the Hall of Memory in Centenary Square where people began gathering on Friday.

People wanting to lay floral tributes have been asked to do so at Birmingham Cathedral, and the Library of Birmingham will be lit up in purple for every night of the period of mourning.

Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said the Queen lived her life "with an incredible sense of duty to this country".

"I join the whole city in sending sympathies to the Royal Family and The King."

The Queen returned to the city in 2015 with the Duke of Edinburgh to reopen New Street Station

Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Sue Greenaway, said she sent "heartfelt condolences" to the Royal Family on behalf of the people of Dudley.

"Queen Elizabeth II was a dedicated public servant, whose unfailing devotion to her country was evident throughout her reign."

The Queen visited Dudley three times - in 1957 during a tour of Staffordshire and Worcestershire, in 1977 as part of the celebrations to mark her Silver Jubilee and in 1994 when she opened the new visitor centre at Dudley Zoo.

The town's Union flag was flown at half-mast, with books of condolence at the council house and at borough libraries.

Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE, said he was "deeply saddened".

"I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen. With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II."

The Queen opened the new Queensway Tunnel in Birmingham in 1971

Meanwhile, the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Sir David Thompson, said: "As servants of the Crown the bond with our Sovereign is one we cherish.

"Our sadness at this time is shared by people of our nation and indeed across the globe."

Wendy Morton, MP for Aldridge-Brownhills, said the Queen's "sense of service and duty to all across our nation, the Commonwealth and the world has been truly remarkable.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the King and Royal Family at this time. God Save The King."

MP Khalid Mahmood said: "Thank you for your service Ma'am, you were the strength for the United Kingdom and Commonwealth and you were admired across all nations. You will remain in our hearts always. May you Rest in Peace."

People have begun leaving messages in Birmingham's book of condolence at the Hall of Memory

The Birmingham International Tattoo, due to be held at Resorts World on Saturday, has been postponed until further notice.

Dudley Zoo said it was also closing on Friday as a mark of respect, while events at the MAC in Birmingham were suspended shortly after the announcement was made.

Obituary: A long life marked by a sense of duty

Queen Elizabeth II: A life in pictures

This is the moment history stops

King Charles III, the new monarch