A CIVIC service will be held at St Mary’s Church in Bridport this evening (Thursday) to celebrate the life and reign of the Queen.

The service will take place at 6.30pm and everyone is invited to pay their respects.

Team Rector the Rev Deb Smith said: “It’s an opportunity for people in the community to come together in this time of mourning. There will be reflections of the Queen and what she meant to the world.”

There will be a procession and prayers taking place as well as reflections looking back over the life and service of the Queen, but also an opportunity to look forward to the reign of King Charles III.

Bridport Mayor Ian Bark will be in attendance and will be reading a few lines in memory of the Queen.

Cllr Bark read out the Proclamation of the King to the people of Bridport outside the Town Hall in Bucky Doo Square at the weekend.

He recalled a time when the previous mayor of Bridport handed the role over to him and one of the points that was relayed was that he may be the one to read out the proclamation to Bridport.

Cllr Bark said: “This was when the importance of the role of mayor really hit home, I never imagined I would have to do that."

Bridport Team Ministry are also extending an invite to people to visit any of their churches, to sit in silence and say some prayers and there is also a book of condolence's at St Mary's Bridport and Holy Trinity Bothenhampton that people are welcome to sign.