VISITORS are still signing a book of condolence for the Queen Mother at Walmer Castle, her home as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

Peter Jailler, deputy head custodian at the English Heritage property, said: "At the last count there were towards 7,000 signatures, all with very nice wording. When the Duke of Wellington laid in state at Walmer Castle 8,000 people came to see him.

"With about 7,000 signing the Queen Mother's book and laying flowers in the Queen Mother's garden it goes to show that deep down there has been lots of affection for her."

Walmer Castle is now open daily between 10am and 6pm and the book of condolence is still available for visitors to sign. At Sandwich the book of condolence is full and was closed at the weekend after hundreds of visitors called in at the Guildhall to sign it.

Messages recalled a "wonderful lady who will be greatly missed" and described her friendliness and humour.

Deal Town clerk Leslie Bulman said he had not counted the total number of entries but that "several" pages had been filled. The book is now closed.