A MAYOR has spoken of the moving moments when a packed cinema paid tribute to 'The Queen of Hearts'.

Blackburn with Darwen's 'First Citizen' Cllr Suleman Khonat said he was unsure whether to applaud or cry as he watched Royal State Funeral.

He and his Mayoress and daughter Sumayya watched the final tributes to the later Queen Elizabeth II at Blackburn's Vue Cinema.

Cllr Khonat said: "There were loads of people there from all the communities of Blackburn with Darwen.

"It was very moving.

"We did not know whether to applaud or cry as we saw the cortege moving through the streets of London.

"She really was the Queen of Hearts.

"She did so much for the country and the Commonwealth.

"I come from Malawi where she was much loved.

"She believed in service to the people.

"I met her in 2009 early in the morning at London Euston station and she was so joyous and joyful.

"It was also good to see and hear King Charles III make clear that he and his family will follow her example.

"He too is dedicated to the service of the people."

Cllr Phil Riley, the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council who watched the ceremony at home, said afterwards: "The last 10 days, and particularly today, were a fitting tribute to the Queen who has reigned for all of our lives.

"To witness these ancient ceremonies, which date from medieval times, being brought up to date for the modern age has been fascinating.

"Now the Royal story moves on with King Charles III, the oldest Monarch to accede to the throne.

"That will be interesting to watch."

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson, who watched the funeral at home with his wife Bernadette, said: "I think it showed that Britain at its best with the Monarch and the nation coming together.

"It showed the things that we can be proud of and our history and our future coming together in the same moments.

"There was a good mix of pomp and ceremony and the real emotion of ordinary people."

Cllr Afrasiab Anwar, the leader of Burnley Council, said after watching the State Funeral at home with family: "The last 10 days have been an opportunity to reflect on the service of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"Her constant presence mean so much to so many and has been reflected in the way she has brought us all together even in death.

"Today as we said a final goodbye it was sombre occasion yet a celebration of a remarkable life delivering on a promise made on her 21st birthday to serve the nation."