A BOOK of condolence has been placed in the reception arera of Burnley Town Hall for messages on the death of the Queen Mother.

The book can be signed between 8.40am to 5pm. The town hall flag has also been lowered to half mast.

The Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Jack Alston, said: "The sudden death of the Queen Mother is a great loss to the people of Britain and we join the rest of the country in mourning.

"She was a marvellous person who will be sadly missed."

At a meeting of the council's executive last night councillors and officers observed a minute's silence.

A book of condolence has also been opened at the Town Hall in Padiham.