'There will never be another like her': Mourners gather at Manchester Cathedral to pay tribute to a 'remarkable' Queen

As the heavens opened over Manchester Cathedral, the bells began to toll as the city stopped to remember Queen Elizabeth II.

Through the pouring rain, mourners came to the cathedral that Her Majesty visited just fourteen months ago and paid their respects. Every visitor has a different tale to tell about the way the Queen touched their lives, and as the books of condolence filled with heartfelt messages, Manchester mourned for a Queen like no other.

Notable figures from the city's political scene joined members of the public in paying tribute a Queen that has been a constant presence for the nation for decades. Mayor Andy Burnham was joined by leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig and Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Donna Ludford just before midday, in a significant moment for the city's iconic cathdedral.

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And at 12pm, the bells tolled 96 times in Manchester and across the country in salute to a 'remarkable' monarch whose reign has spanned over 70 years of change.

"She just lit up our lives every time we saw her on TV," Marian Smith, who came from Altrincham to pay her respects with husband Gerry, said. "Her smile and her caring ways, her faith in us all."

"She was the mother of the nation," Gerry added. "And she was an outstanding monarch. We came today to pay tribute to a wonderful lady."

Couple Monica and Chris came early this morning to sign the book, and said the occasion was 'very sad' for the nation.

"We didn't sleep all night yesterday," Chris told the M.E.N. "We wanted to make sure we got here early. I was in London doing the same thing 22 years ago when the Queen mother died. It's a sad day."

As they emerged from the