A book of condolence for the Queen's family has opened in Maidstone Town Hall.

People can call in between 9am till 6pm to sign it and it will remain open until the day after the funeral, when it will be sent to Buckingham Palace.

Meantime, the flags at the Town Hall and at County Hall in Maidstone are flying at half-mast.

An area has been set aside in Jubilee Square where people can lay flowers if they want to.

This evening, at 6pm, All Saints Church in the town will hold a vigil, including a short reflective service of readings and prayers.

There will be the chance to light candles.

Afterwards, a second book of condolence will be opened at the church which will stay open from 8am to 8pm every day for the next 12 days, so that people may sign it.

There will be a place to lay flowers.

The Queen will be further remembered with a service at All Saints this Sunday at 10am, commemorating the life of the Queen.

The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Derek Mortimer, has expressed his deep sadness at the news.

He said: "The borough council and the people of Maidstone will want to join with me in extending our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the Royal Family."

He added: "It is with great sadness that we reflect on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"This is an extremely sad time for the entire country as we mourn the death of the Queen after 70 years on the throne.

"We will remember her as a remarkable woman who has steadfastly represented our country with great pride and determination. She will be greatly missed.

"Her Majesty worked tirelessly to carry out her Royal duties."

Meanwhile people in Maidstone have been speaking of their feelings on hearing the tragic news.

Simon Winch, 47, from Maidstone said: "It's so sad. She's been such a constant in everyone's life.

"Everyone will remember where they were when they heard the news.

"I had hoped so much that she would live to see 100, but I think she went downhill after the loss of her husband. She was heart-broken."

Nicholette Tomlin, 62, of Maidstone, said: "I went to my own husband's funeral on Wednesday, and now this news.

"It's a very sad time. I think everyone respected the Queen, even if they weren't fond of the monachy.

"She earned our respect for the brilliant job she did through some difficult times, even difficult times within her own family.

"I'm sure Charles will make a good king, but she will be a hard act to follow."

Glyn Knowlgin of Maidstone said: "It's terrible news, really shocking.

"I did see her quite close up once at a school event - she seemed like a lovely person. She did such good for the country. She was such a moral person and brought so much happiness wherever she went."

Toya Ring, 20, from Maidstone, said: "It seems like only the other day the jubilee happened and now this. I'm really upset. I never met her, but I would have liked to. She seemed like a really nice woman."

Tommy Stewart, 30, of Maidstone said: "I've only just got back from a tour of the D-day landing sites and memorials in France. To come home to this news.

"So it's been a very moving few days for me.

"I'm of Northern Irish heritage. We are loyalists and very much love the Queen. This is going to be very sad news for many members of my family, especially the older generations."

But not everybody felt the same.

Rose Feazey, 18, of Wateringbury, said: "It was going to happen at some stage. We never really knew her as a person, so it's difficult to feel too sad.

"I have nothing against the Royal Family as such, but I don't think we should support them out of taxpayers' money.

"It will be interesting to see if there is a change in people's attitudes now that it's Charles on the throne."

Meanwhile, all official council meetings have been cancelled for a week.

The public hearings into the Local Plan Review have also been suspended - for a period of six weeks, with today's hearing cancelled.

Kent County Council has also opened a book of condolence at County Hall.

It is available between 9am and 5pm every day.

Messages can also be sent online tobe added, via this link

Or send them by post to Sessions House, County Road, Maidstone ME14 1XQ.

Include your name, address and phone number if you are sending a written tribute.