Residents of Sittingbourne have been laying flowers and signing books of condolence to pay their respects to the Queen.

The town's war memorial has been covered in flowers and St Michael's Church had a candlelit tribute available for people to visit.

One note on a bunch of flowers at the monument read: "So proud to call you our Queen, we will miss you."

Another said: "Rest in peace your majesty.

"Thank you for your service to us, reunited with Philip

."

A final bouquet said: "Thank you for all your service Ma'am, you were very dedicated.

"May you rest in peace now your majesty."

Shoppers in the town also felt saddened by the news.

Ms Russel, 83, recalled the big celebration they had when the Queen was crowned in 1953.

The Lynsted resident said: "It is very sad news, the Queen worked hard and brought her family up respectfully.

"She was dedicated right until the end and will be sadly misses, I don't think King Charles will be up to her standard."

Lynn Jenkins, whose daughter lives in Sittingbourne, agreed.

The 63-year-old said: "It's very sad, she's been in power for so long, it is going to take some getting used to."

Peter De Lange, who is originally from South Africa, remarked on how dedicated Her Majesty was.

The 72-year-old, who moved to Sittingbourne in 1999, said: "Coming from South Africa it is strange to hear people talking about the Queen with such sadness.

"I also find it odd how she didn't crown Charles as king much earlier. She was dedicated and very successful though."

A candlelit table with a book of condolence has been set up at St Michael's Church.

Prayer services are also being hosted over the weekend and the following 10 days.

Church member, Howard Clarke, who has been going to the place of worship since 1983, said anyone is welcome to pay their respects to the Queen at the church.

The 73-year-old said: "I remember Her Majesty's coronation, but I was very, very young.

"However, when I was 15 I was actually a choir boy for Remembrance Day at St Albert Hall.

"The Queen was there and I remember that occasion very well. She was a very important part of our country."

In Swale, Books of Condolence have been opened at Swale House in Sittingbourne, Faversham Town Council Offices and Sheppey Gateway in Sheerness.

People are invited to pay their respects from 10am to 4pm weekdays and 10am to midday on Saturdays.