HALSTEAD has come together to pay their respects and tributes following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Her Majesty “died peacefully” at Balmoral on Thursday the Royal Family said in a statement.

Following the news, tributes from across the nation poured in, and this was no different in Halstead.

Flags were flown at half-mast at the Halstead Public Gardens, as well as at Causeway House in Braintree and the Witham Memorial Gardens.

The town council were quick to send their condolences, saying it shares the sorrow of the nation after her death.

A Halstead Town Council spokesman said: “Halstead Town Council shares the sorrow of the nation and of the wider world, following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second.

"With many others across the globe, we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning monarch.

"The Town council will be flying its flag at half-mast out of respect for the late Queen and has opened a book of condolence at the council offices.

"Out of respect, it may be necessary to cancel some planned events over the coming days if it is felt that holding them would be inappropriate.

"For now, we should all reflect on the late Queen’s devotion to the service of her country, and the many events which were part of her life and ours, and which will continue to influence our lives in years to come."

Halstead MP James Cleverly said Her Majesty will be remembered for her “dedicated service”.

On social media, he said: "My sincere condolences to the Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

"She will be remembered for her dedicated service at home, across the Commonwealth and around the globe.

"Her extraordinary service fostered peace and friendship worldwide."

St Andrew’s Church also thanked her for her service.

A spokesman said: “We mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, and give thanks for her life of service. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

“We are also making arrangements to have a condolence book available in the church as part of our local act of giving thanks and expressing our grief.

“We pray for The Queen's family and close friends in their loss, and for King Charles III as he takes on the responsibility of the throne.”