A CITY stalwart who met the Queen an impressive six times has described her as a “force for good” following her death after reigning for 70 years.

Sir Bob Russell, who is Colchester High Steward’s and the newly-crowned city’s former MP and mayor, was knighted by Her Majesty in 2012.

In total, he met our longest-serving monarch six times and was presented to her with his wife Lady Audrey Russell on two of her last three visits to Colchester.

The Queen made three Royal visits to Colchester during her reign, and earlier this year granted city status to Colchester.

Paying tribute after she died at the age of 96, Sir Bob said: “She was respected across the world and respected by people of all political persuasions and none.

“She was a force for good, and for unity.”