Queen devoted her life 'to the service of her people'

One of the last visits by the Queen to Shropshire was to see the Diamond Jubilee pageant at RAF Cosford in 2012

People in Shropshire have paid tribute to the Queen's sense of duty, but also her ability to put people at ease.

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral on Thursday, aged 96.

Anna Turner, Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, said she felt "a loss and emptiness" at hearing the news.

Books of condolence are opening at churches and other locations across the county, while memorial services are also being organised.

A plaque was unveiled at RAF Cosford during the Queen's visit 10 years ago

Speaking to BBC Radio Shropshire, Anna Belyavin, 34, from Shrewsbury, said the Queen had "represented a lot for the country".

"For a lot of people, all we've known is having her as head of the monarchy. So it's going to be a very strange transition for a lot of us," she said.

"She's kind of been a bit of stability in life and obviously there's a lot of things going on in the country at the moment and this is just another thing to cope with and throw into the mix."

More than 35,000 people gathered at RAF Cosford in 2012 as she and the Duke of Edinburgh attended a pageant marking her Diamond Jubilee.

Mrs Turner said the pair had loved the event and were particularly amused by a carnival float representing the old Silhouette underwear factory in Market Drayton, complete with women wearing nothing more than heritage corsetry.

Brimfield bowls club members met the Queen during an unannounced visit

Among those to meet the Queen in more surprising circumstances were members of the Brimfield and Little Hereford Bowls Club, based near Ludlow.

Playing a match against a Royal Household team at Windsor as part of a 25th anniversary tour nine years ago, Barbara Griffiths said the monarch had turned up unannounced.

"She drove herself down there, with a bodyguard of course, but she just arrived to look at a tree that had been recently planted," Mrs Griffiths said.

"The game just stopped and she shook everyone's hand, made time for everyone and spoke to us all.

"She was just fantastic, so natural. Then the game carried on and she watched a bit of it... before driving herself off again - it was so surreal."

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan said the Queen was "loved by millions", adding "when turbulence rocked the nation... the Queen remained a beacon of calmness and solidity, whose natural leadership reassured a nation."

Telford MP Lucy Allan thanked her for her "life of service and devotion to the nation", while Ludlow MP Philip Dunne said she had been an "inspiration, and guiding presence in public life".

Wrekin MP Mark Prichard described the Queen as "the greatest monarch in British History", while Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski said she was a role model who had an "unwavering devotion to duty".

One of the Queen's earliest visits to the county was to the Royal Show in Shrewsbury in 1949, while still Princess Elizabeth

A book of condolence has been opened at Shrewsbury Abbey, as well as libraries across the county

Mrs Turner said above all else, the Queen had undertaken the "role of head of state with dedication and determination".

"I know we'll miss her hugely for the stability she gave the country," she said.

"She devoted her whole life to the service of her people, which was the promise she made on her 21st birthday when she was in South Africa."

Some tourist venues in Shropshire, including the RAF Museum at Cosford, have closed as a mark of respect.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Richard Sheehan, said he was "greatly saddened" to hear the news of the Queen's death, describing her as "a great supporter of business and enterprise".

More than 35,000 people turned out for the Diamond Jubilee pageant at Cosford in 2012

Telford and Wrekin Council has opened books of condolence in libraries across the borough, with leader Shaun Davies describing the Queen's death as "a great national loss" and a sad day for the whole country.

His counterpart, Lezley Picton, leader of Shropshire Council, said the Queen had "dedicated her entire life to the betterment and service of our country and its people".

St Laurence's Church, in Ludlow, has opened a book of condolence and said a special memorial service would be held at 18:00 BST on Saturday.

Shrewsbury Abbey will also be holding a service on Saturday 17 September, while a book of condolence has been opened at Shrewsbury Castle, where people can also lay flowers.

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