"Manchester shares the nation's sorrow" Region's leaders pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Greater Manchester's leaders have paid emotional tributes to The Queen this evening following the news of her death, aged 96. The monarch, who reigned for a mammoth 70 years, passed away peacefully at Balmoral on September 8, Buckingham Palace announced.

And as the nation enters into a period of mourning, flags have already been raised to half mast in the city, with church bells also expected to ring out on Friday afternoon. Leaders from across the region paid tribute to The Queen on Thursday night in the aftermath of the news.

Among those was the Mayor of Bury, Coun Shaheena Haroon, the leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig, Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Donna Ludford and Salford Mayor Paul Dennett.

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Members of the Queen's immediate family, including her four children, Charles, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex all rushed to join the monarch in Balmoral, Scotland, on Thursday afternoon, after doctors announced they were concerned for her health. The news of her death was announced shortly after 6.30pm, with leaders from across the region issuing heartfelt tributes.

Leading the tributes, Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: "Queen Elizabeth II has been the national figurehead for as long as most of us can remember, a symbol of continuity and stability through changing and sometimes turbulent times.

"We remember her visits to the city over the years, both on happy occasions such as when she opened the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, and darker moments such as when she helped comfort young people injured in the terror attack at Manchester Arena.

"She served the nation with incredible dedication and dignity. On behalf of all