Coalville and North West Leicestershire is in mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Buckingham Palace has announced that The Queen has died after her family made their way to Balmoral on Thursday afternoon.

Councillor Russell Boam, Chairman of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "North West Leicestershire District Council joins the nation in mourning the death of Her Majesty The Queen on this very sad day.

"Her Majesty dedicated her life to the service of this country and the Commonwealth and we are grateful for that service.

"We will fly the Union Flag at half-mast at the Council Offices during the period of Royal mourning.

"Members of the public are welcome to lay floral tributes at our temporary garden of remembrance on the lawns outside the Council Offices, where you will also be able to sign the book of condolence."

Books of condolence will be opened today (Friday) at the North West Leicestershire District Council Offices on Whitwick Road in Coalville (LE67 3FJ).

This will be available to sign between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Leader of Leicestershire County Council and Coalville district councillor, Nick Rushton, said: "We are all deeply moved to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. I speak on behalf of the elected members and those working for the County Council.

"Many of us have only ever known one Monarch – such has been the remarkable reign of Queen Elizabeth the Second. 

"As a mark of respect, during the period of Royal mourning, the Union and County Flags have been half-masted at County Hall. Our headquarters will also be illuminated in purple until after The Queen's funeral.

"The Chairman will be attending only those official engagements of a formal nature and will not be wearing his insignia."

North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen went to Buckingham Palace to pay his respects.

He posted on social media and said: "I know the Royal family are not here, but I felt I had to come, it's raining but given the crowds many, many people felt the same as me. God protect the Queen. God save the King."

Only in June did the region mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with a series of parties and celebrations across the region.

People knew it was the last Jubilee celebration for a generation - and, despite the rain, they made the most of it.

Locals gathered in Coalville Park to mark a once in a lifetime event.

However, it has become obvious in recent months that the Queen's health has been deteriorting.

The Queen was under medical supervision at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, a statement from Buckingham Palace said on Thursday afternoon.

Her doctors were concerned for the 96-year-old's health.

All of the Queen's four children and Prince William were in Scotland to be with her.