DORSET will fall silent today as people pay their respects to the Queen whose state funeral is being held in Westminster Abbey.

Some local venues are offering a place for communities to watch the funeral together and share their sadness.

This is the first state funeral in 57 years when war-time Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill was honoured with one in 1965 at St Paul's Cathedral.

The occasion will be broadcast all over the world as the world mourns the loss of Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

It is expected to attract one of the largest UK television audiences ever.

Whilst many will watch the event from home - some in Dorset will be coming together as a community.

On Liscombe Street, Poundbury, the Dorchester Community Church, opened by the then Prince Charles in 2018, will be showing the funeral at 11am for any in their community who wish to share this moment with each other.

Romy Barton speaking for the church said: "We are the only church in Poundbury, and we felt like we should honour Her Majesty, as a lot of people in our community feel a sense of loss over her passing.

"We know some people may want to talk to somebody and prefer to watch it with others rather than tuning in to the broadcast alone at home. Everyone is welcome to attend on this very sad and historic occasion."

In Dorchester, the Plaza Cinema on Trinity Street will be holding a free public viewing in their auditorium, although you do need to book your free ticket from the Box Office as seating is limited.

In Weymouth, the Belvedere pub on High West Street will be open from 10am with teas and coffees for the sad occasion.

A spokesperson for the pub said: "We spoke to our regulars, and they said they wanted to come together to watch it so we thought we would host it for them. We do ask that people remain respectful and mindful throughout the event."

Snookes Sports Bar in Weymouth will also be tuning in to the funeral as will The Three Chimneys Restaurant on the Esplanade, who say all local friends and neighbours are welcome to join them as a community to watch the funeral from 10.30am, and will be serving supplementary tea, coffee, and cake.

On Portland, The Eight Kings pub on Southwell Road will be showing our Queen Elizabeth's funeral in their Queens Lounge from 10am.