Queen's funeral: Cumbria residents gather to pay respects

A big screen in Carlisle's Bitts Park saw more than 300 people gather

Hundreds of people turned out to watch the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on a big screen in Carlisle.

More than 300 gathered at Bitts Park, some bringing picnic blankets and chairs, while others stood in silence.

"We wanted to share the experience with other people," said Andrew and Nicky Murrell, who called it a "significant moment" to share.

"We would have liked to have gone to London but it's too expensive, so this is a good option for us."

Stephen Finlayson said he wanted to join others with "similar feelings and values"

Veteran Stephen Finlayson was also among those there.

"Having served in the military myself I felt it was really important that I came down," he said.

"I didn't realise how emotional I would have felt when I heard about the passing of the Queen - it kind of hit you in a spot that you didn't think it was going to hit.

"Having served for your country and your Queen it hit me in a different way."

Andrew and Nicky Murrell called the funeral "a significant moment to share"

The broadcast on the screen, watched over by a statue of Queen Victoria, attracted people of all ages, who came to pay their respects and witness history.

Alex and Hannah Graham were with their three-year-old son Myles.

"We just thought it was quite important for the children to come down and see this, this is a once-in-a generation event," said Mr Graham.

"Where were you when the funeral was on and what do you remember of it? Both the children will remember coming here and seeing the event."

Hannah and Alex Graham watched the funeral with three-year-old son Myles

At the scene

Megan Paterson, BBC Look North, Carlisle

Some had their camping chairs set out in front of the screen at nine o'clock this morning, others drifted in as they heard the noise of the pipes and drums from the loud speakers - everyone keen to witness this moment of history together.

There was hardly any chatter between those watching, just the odd hushed word, some smaller children are being diverted by colouring books as their parents watched on.

The number grew slowly grew as the service progressed and there were about 300 people there by the end.

Alan and Nadine Borradaile paid tribute to a family having to grieve a mother

Wrapped in a Union flag were Alan and Nadine Borradaile who had travelled from Penrith.

"It was a lovely service - it is emotional and I don't think so many people thought how this would affect us," she said.

"King Charles and the family have been amazing, if you think about how many miles they have had to walk and how many people they have had to see, the stiff upper lip, and they have lost their mam.

"They have lost their mam, I know what it's like, it's a horrible thing and it's just amazing that they have got through it."

Elsewhere veterans and their families gathered at the Royal British Legion club in Ulverston.

The Royal British Legion club in Ulverston raised a glass in honour of Her Majesty

All stood for the national anthem, and as the late Queen was borne out of Westminster Abbey for the last time, a glass of whisky or port was handed around for a toast to "the Boss" and "God Save The King".

Chairman Norman Bishop-Rowe said the club had opened its doors for those who wanted to pay their respects.

"It's part of the ethos of the Royal British Legion, supporting each other," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"It's to allow those who want to be there to share their common thoughts, common feelings, several people may be on their own so it's a way of allowing them to come together."

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