Dorset has paid tribute to the Queen following her death at the age of 96 with a senior public figure stating: 'Our loss is incalculable.'

Touching tributes have come from all over the county to Her Majesty who was on the throne for 70 years and was the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

Book of condolences are expected to be open at council buildings while Union flags are flying at half-mast.

Angus Campbell, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Dorset said: “The country is in deep mourning following the loss of Her Majesty. All our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family at this most difficult time.

“We have all lost a unique, loving and determined Monarch who has, over seventy years, not only delivered the extraordinary, devoted service and support she promised at such an early age, but given us so very much more besides.

“Our loss is incalculable.”

Cllr Val Pothecary, Chairman of Dorset Council, added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and the country as we mourn the loss of Her Majesty, and I would like to offer them our heartfelt condolences. We give thanks for her wonderful life and years of devotion to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She has been an inspiration to us all.”

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said: “I send my deepest sympathies to all members of the Royal Family. To many of us she was the lynchpin of this country - the glue that held the nation together.

“She was a selfless, duty-filled amazing woman. She played an enormous part in the history of this island nation of ours and I am sure King Charles will be a great king. We are lucky to have a monarchy in this country and I believe it has served us well and will continue to do so.”

West Dorset MP Chris Loder said: “I am so immensely sad to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. The most incredible head of the nation and the commonwealth, a true constant in all our lives, she leaves the most enormous void. Queen Elizabeth has visited us in West Dorset on many occasions and on behalf of the people of West Dorset I extend my deepest sympathies to the Royal Family as we share in their grief and to whom I send our deepest condolences.”

Chief Constable of Dorset Police Scott Chilton said: “It is with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. There is a sombre mood across the Force and on behalf of everyone at Dorset Police, I send our deepest condolences to The Royal Family at this very sad time.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has been a guiding light and source of inspiration for millions of people across the world over her exceptional reign of 70 years."

He added: “Police officers take an oath to serve the Queen and the entire police family joins the nation in mourning this sad news.

“Her Majesty’s death may affect many people across Dorset and we urge anyone who is feeling particularly saddened to seek support from one of the many agencies who can provide a listening ear or advice.

Mayor of Bridport Ian Bark said: “On behalf of the town of Bridport I offer our sincerest condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time, and our deepest gratitude for Her Majesty’s lifelong service as the mother of our nation.”

Bridport Town Council said from Monday, a book of condolence will be available on weekdays at the Town Hall, until the day following the funeral.

For those wishing to lay flowers in remembrance, these can be placed in Bucky Doo Square.

Dorset Chamber president Caron Khan said: “All at the Dorset Chamber are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal family at this time of such great sorrow.

"The profound loss we now feel is mirrored by thanks for her life of exemplary public service, including her support for business as patron of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

"Her Majesty performed her duties with such dignity and calm assurance during a remarkable reign which has served as an inspiration and example to so many."