Flower laying areas and Books of Condolence arrangements following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Details of how people in Stockton-on-Tees can pay their respects following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, have been confirmed.

Members of the public are invited to sign Books of Condolence, which will open in the following libraries tomorrow:

• Billingham Library
• Ingleby Barwick Library
• Norton Library
• Stockton Central Library
• Thornaby Central Library
• Yarm Library

Library opening hours can be found on the Find a local library page of the Council website.

And from 9am tomorrow, the following designated areas are being made available for members of the public to attend, reflect and lay flowers and other tributes as a mark of respect:

• Billingham - John Whitehead Park (circular grassed area near to the Café)
• Ingleby Barwick - IB Leisure (Blair Avenue)
• Norton - on the Green
• Stockton - Parish Gardens (grassed area adjacent to the church)
• Thornaby - Five Lamps landmark (Mitchell Avenue)
• Yarm - grassed area off West Street near St Mary Magdalene Church/Yarm Parish Church

Signage will be in place to mark these special areas.

As a mark of respect, flags at Stockton's Municipal Buildings and Town Hall are flying at half-mast during this period of national mourning.

And from tonight, and every night up to and including the evening of the state funeral, the lighting in Stockton town centre, Stockton riverside and Newport Bridge will be set to purple. This is in line with national guidance.

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our longest-reigning Monarch.

"She was of course, hugely respected both at home and overseas and so we join people around the world in remembering the lifetime of service she gave us.

"We have been fortunate enough to welcome Her Majesty to the Borough on a number of occasions.

"They include her visits to Stockton High Street and her opening of the International White Water Course at the Tees Barrage.

"Local people remember those days with great fondness and affection, and of course more recently we've seen the local and national celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee.

"We know people will want to pay their respects and will continue to provide updates on the ways in which this can be done."

For details of the period of National Mourning and national events visit the Royal website and Government website.

You can also keep up to date by following the Council's Facebook page and Twitter feed.