Seaton has been reacting to news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96.

It was announced on Thursday evening that the Queen had died peacefully, surrounded by her immediate family at Balmoral Castle, after more than 70 years on the throne.

Shortly after the announcement, Seaton Town Council released the following statement: "It is with great sadness that Seaton Town Council received the new of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, who was much loved and admired across the country and the wider Commonwealth for her absolute commitment to putting duty first, and her kindness to all those she met in the course of her public duties."

The Mayor of Seaton, Cllr Amrik Singh, added: "On behalf of the people of Seaton, I would like to convey thanks for her dedication and service and convey the deepest of condolences to the new King, and his family, at this very sad time."

The Mayor of Seaton, Cllr Amrik Singh, leaves the first message in the town's book of condolence for the Queen

The mayor has already been photographed leaving the first message.

Floral tributes may be laid in Windsor Gardens and the flag will be flown at half-mast.

Seaton Tramway, the town's biggest visitor attraction, made the following statement: "Everyone at Seaton Tramway is very saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen and offer our condolences and sympathies to the royal family at this sad time.

"We share in mourning of a devoted and treasured monarch and are grateful for her years of service as the longest reigning British monarch.

"We will continue to operate to our current timetable as normal. A statement will follow about our plans for operating once the date of HM The Queen's funeral is confirmed."

Mourning in Colyton

In Colyton, St Andrew's Church will be open everyday as usual for prayer, to light a candle and to write in a book of condolence, with refreshments available between 10am and 12noon today.

On Sunday, the 9.30am Eucharist will commemorate the Queen, giving thanks for her life and reign, her Christian faith, and her service to the nation and Commonwealth.

It has been decided that Colyton carnival procession at 8pm on Saturday night will go ahead as planned, with a minute's silence and the National Anthem included.

Organisers said: "The carnival committee wish to express their sadness at HM the Queen's death and to send our condolences to the royal family.

"We hope this carnival can, in some way, represent the spirit of community and service which HM the Queen had come to symbolise."