A BOOK of condolence to Queen Elizabeth II will open at St Helens Parish Church today.

The country's longest-reigning monarch died on Thursday afternoon aged 96.

A statement confirming the news from Buckingham Palace yesterday read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

In St Helens civic leaders, along with figures from sports and entertainment have paid tribute.

The flag of St Helens Town Hall is flying at half-mast and the Steve Prescott Bridge has been lit purple in tribute.

A book of condolence will be opened at St Helens Parish Church, in Church Square, from noon today, Friday.

In a Facebook post, the church said: "St Helens Parish Church will be open from 12noon with a book of condolence and space to pray and reflect as we grieve our Queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth who died yesterday."

The church paid tribute to the Queen after her passing, saying: "Her Majesty was a woman of deep faith and we give thanks for her life and that she is now at rest with the Lord.

"Our prayers are with the new King and the Royal Family at this sad time."