Tributes paid across West Yorkshire following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Tributes are being paid across West Yorkshire following the death of The Queen.

Elizabeth II, 96, was the nation's longest-reigning monarch, serving as head of state for more than 70 years.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Robert W Gettings MBE JP has said: "I know from her last visit to Leeds when the crowds lined Briggate to see her on her visit to the newly refurbished City Varieties Music Hall how much people respected and admired her, and so on behalf of the people of Leeds I have expressed our formal condolences in a letter to the new Sovereign’s Private Secretary to be passed to the new Sovereign.

"Flags on civic buildings have been lowered to half-mast in tribute.

"It is at times like this that the city comes together, and I know many will want to pay their respects and honour Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. An online book of condolence will be available shortly and a physical book of condolence will be available at Leeds Civic Hall for those wishing to pay their respects."

West Yorkshire's Mayor, Tracy Brabin, has said the sad loss of the longest serving monarch will be "felt right around the world".

Calderdale Council have said: "We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

"The Queen has played a unique role in the life of the nation for over 90 years. Our thoughts are with the royal family.

"We will be flying the Union Flag at half-mast at Halifax Town Hall as a mark of respect."

Leeds Teaching Hospitals have also paid tribute to Her Majesty, saying she was "loved and respected by many".

Dame Linda Pollard DBE DL Hon LLD, Trust Chair and Sir Julian Hartley, Chief Executive have released a joint statement: "We offer our deepest sympathy on behalf of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to the members of the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"Her Majesty the Queen was much loved and respected by many people in Britain and throughout the world and will forever be held in high esteem for her dedication to duty and loyalty to her family and country, as was reflected in the recent Jubilee celebrations."

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Martin Love, said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Over her 70-year reign of this great nation and the Commonwealth, she has touched the lives of so many people. When she first came to Bradford in October 1954, just 16 months after her Coronation, it was clear she was loved and cherished.

“Today we lower our flags and pay tribute to one of the greatest Sovereigns our country has ever known. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Royal Family and all those affected by her passing. She will always be remembered and always be missed.”

The Leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the loss of Her Majesty The Queen. Her dedication to this country and the Commonwealth resulted in her being one of the most loved and respected rulers across the globe. The district of Bradford joins the rest of the nation in mourning her passing.”

The Chief Executive of Bradford Council, Kersten England, said: “Today we mourn the loss of Her Majesty the Queen. It has been an honour and a privilege to live under our longest reigning monarch. She was a highly regarded leader and her passing has affected people from across the district, the nation and the world. Over the coming days we will stand together to commemorate the wonderful achievements and life of Her Majesty the Queen.”

The sporting world in West Yorkshire have also come together to remember Her Majesty. Super League teams including Wakefield Trinity, Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants have said their thoughts are with the Royal Family.

While Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Bradford City and FC Halifax Town have sent condolences.