Queen Elizabeth II: East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire pays tribute

The Queen on a visit to Hull in 2017 during its City of Culture year

Civic, religious and political leaders in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after her death at the age of 96.

Flags at council buildings in both counties were set to half-mast after Thursday's announcement.

Lincoln Cathedral's dean, the Very Reverend Christine Wilson, said the Queen had been a "shining example".

Boston & Skegness MP Matt Warman said the death of the monarch after 70 years on the throne was the "end of an era".

In a tweet, Mr Warman said: "As we mourn the end of an era, the Queen's humility and sense of duty should be a model for us all. My very best wishes to all her family and to our new King."

Meanwhile, Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy described the Queen as "our rock", who served the country during "the most challenging times".

Ms Hardy also reflected on Her Majesty's role as "a grandma and a mum".

Visitors to Lincoln Cathedral lit candles in memory of the Queen

Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside Jonathan Evison said the Queen "exemplified public service, she was an inspiration to our country for generations across the Commonwealth and the world".

"As a young man I was proud to play a part at the official opening ceremony of the Humber Bridge by the Queen in 1981," he said.

"I recall the overwhelming show of affection and respect for her on that day, a feeling she encountered wherever she went in her many decades of service.

"She will remain in our hearts forever," he added.

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East Riding of Yorkshire Council said the Queen was "a beacon of hope, stability and unity" who reigned with "unwavering grace and poise".

In a joint statement, chairman John Whittle, leader Jonathan Owen and chief executive Caroline Lacey recalled the monarch's visit to the county in 2009.

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, opened the Queen's Centre for Oncology and Haematology at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham.

They said their "most memorable visit" was in 2002 during her Golden Jubilee tour, which included Beverley where she attended a service at the town's minster and walked around Saturday Market.

Patricia Bradwell OBE, deputy leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said she remembered the Queen's visits to Lincolnshire "with great fondness".

"We were fortunate to host her several times, which enabled her to meet local people and see what our county offers.

"Lincolnshire was also a special place for her because of her regular visits to RAF Cranwell where her grandson, Prince William, trained to be an RAF pilot.

"And, because of her love of horses, she also attended Burghley Horse Trials near Stamford.

"For me, she was such an inspirational lady and a wonderful leader, full of grace and dignity. She will be greatly missed."

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip opening the Humber Bridge on 17 July 1981. The couple drove across the bridge after the ceremony

Lincoln Cathedral opened its doors at 08:00 BST on Friday morning and provided a book of condolence for visitors, with many lighting candles in memory of the Queen.

Crowds gathered outside as the bells were rung at midday.

The Acting Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway, said: "Like so many people I've known nothing else other than the Queen being our Sovereign, so of course it's a huge adjustment for so many of us today taking in the news

"It's a very sad time, but also a time of great thanksgiving for a long life wonderfully lived."

Books of condolence have also been opened at locations including Tower Garden Pavilions in Skegness, St Botolph's in Boston and the University of Lincoln.

Chris Haward, chief constable of Lincolnshire Police, said the Queen had been a "role model" for many officers and a "steadfast and calming influence, and a moral compass to us".

"I know all of us in the police family will be mourning her death along with the nation," he said.

Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber Christine Randall said the authority was "honoured to welcome her to the city, most recently during our year as UK City of Culture".

During her visit to Hull in 2017, hundreds turned out to greet the Queen as she arrived into the station.

Angela Murden, of the Hull Afro-Caribbean Association, sent members' condolences to the Royal Family.

She said: "We join them, the nation, and the world in grieving her death. We thank her for her excellent service to this nation, and beyond. May her soul rest in peace."

South Kesteven District Council chairman Helen Crawford said Her Majesty had made a number of trips to the area including Stamford and Burghley in 1961 and again 51 years later for her Diamond Jubilee.

"As a district we have all greatly valued her leadership, longevity and dutiful dignity and I like to think she had special memories of South Kesteven," she said.