Public books of condolence will be opened by town council across Dorset to allow residents to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen.

The nation is now in mourning following the Queen's death at Balmoral on Thursday, September 8.

According to protocol, flags will be flown at half-mast at town halls and council buildings as a mark of respect, except during the proclamation of the new King.

Following the proclamation, flags will once again be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.

Books of condolence will be available at County Hall, Dorchester and in all Dorset libraries.

Dorset Council has invited people to leave flowers at the Memorial Corner to the front of County Hall, Dorchester.

Parish and town councils throughout Dorset have also encouraged residents to lay flowers at a number of locations and share their memories of the Queen with separate books of condolence.

Residents of Dorchester have been invited to lay flowers at the Bandstand in the Borough Gardens.

A book of condolence will be available at the Town Council Offices, in North Square, from Monday.

Janet Hewitt, Mayor of Dorchester, said the Queen 'demonstrated dedication and commitment to duty'.

In Bridport, a book of condolence will be available on weekdays at the Town Hall, until the day following the funeral.

Floral tributes can be laid at Bucky Doo Square.

Councillor Ian Bark, Mayor of Bridport, said "it is expected that the local proclamation of Her Majesty’s successor will take place at 6pm on Saturday 10 September, outside the Town Hall in Bucky Doo Square."

The Mayor of Lyme Regis will give a statement from the town council and a proclamation on the steps of the Guildhall at 2pm today with a book of condolence open to the public on weekdays.

Beaminster Town Council paid tribute to the Queen's "extraordinary dedication and commitment to duty throughout her Reign and did so with a graceful strength and admirable determination". They also confirmed a book of condolence would be made available at the Town Hall.

St Mary's Church, Weymouth, and St John's Church, Greenhill, will have books of condolence open today to allow people the opportunity to reflect and remember the reign of Her Majesty the Queen; floral tributes can be left at Greenhill Gardens.