MAYORS and representatives from across Dorset's town councils have paid their 'final goodbye' to Her Majesty the Queen.

The funeral for the Queen, Britain's longest reigning monarch, held yesterday saw millions of people around the world pay their respects and reflect on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.

It proved to be day of grief and sadness but also a celebration of the monarch's life.

Residents all over the county have been paying tributes to the Queen since her passing on Thursday, September 8, with books of condolence and floral tributes at locations across Dorset.

On Portland a 'moment of reflection' was held at Easton Gardens on Sunday - "to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and reflect on her life legacy".

Mourners gathered at the gardens from 7.50pm ahead of the nation moment of reflection at 8pm.

Cllr Ann Weaving, Mayor of Weymouth, said the Queen would be "profoundly missed".

She said: "The impact that she had on local people can be evidenced by the number of floral tributes left at Greenhill Gardens, which is home to the Queen Elizabeth II arch that opened in 2019."

The mayor said she remembered when the Queen, then aged five, visited her childhood school along with the Queen Mother.

​Cllr Ian Bark, Mayor of Bridport, said the the people of Bridport have 'shared the pain and sorrow' of the Royal Family.

He said: "We are living through a period of time, which although we knew would happen one day, we never imagined it actually happening. The events of the past few days are something which very few of us have experienced before and for some they will never see again.

"The initial feeling of shock at the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has moved us to profound grief, and a greater appreciation of the life of service and dedication to our nation made by Her Majesty.

"The scenes we have all been witnessing on our televisions as the body of Her Majesty has made its way from Balmoral to Westminster Hall have shown us the high regard and respect in which she was held by her people. Alongside this we have watched a family grieve for their matriarch and shared their pain and sorrow."

Cllr Bark added: "We now have a new monarch, King Charles III, and as we adjust to life without the Queen; singing God Save the King, a new face on our money and stamps and numerous other changes I hope that in time he will become as well respected and loved as his mother."

A number of local councils in the area have confirmed that the floral tributes will, at a later date, be composted and used to help create a memorial tree.

Beaminster Town Council said they "will mark the legacy of Her Majesty the Queen by planting a tree with the compost from her flowers in thanks and celebration of her life and service to the nation."

Andrew Bailey, Chairman of Burton Bradstock Parish Council, said the Queen's 70 year reign was characterised by "her unfailing duty, humility and compassion".

He added: "She reigned until the end of her life and in times of great change has been the one constant within our nation. She will be greatly missed. Long live the King."