Tributes are flooding in from across Cheshire East following the sad news that HM Queen Elizabeth has died.

Cheshire East Council leader Sam Corcoran said the borough of Cheshire East shares the great sense of loss felt by the Royal Family, the country as a whole and the Commonwealth at the passing of Her Majesty.

He said flags on all council buildings will be flown at half-mast.

"The Queen was a truly remarkable woman and her death has created a feeling of enormous loss," Cllr Corcoran said.

Cllr Sam Corcoran

"She ruled this great country for 70 years, surpassing the reign of Queen Victoria. In 2022 she celebrated her platinum jubilee at the age of 96.

"Her ability to reach out to her subjects, through her television broadcasts and her public speeches, and appearances were instrumental in making us all feel a part of one big royal family, envied around the globe."

The council leader said that through conflict and war, the Queen had been an inspirational and comforting figure, whose strong words of quiet defiance and unity held the nation together.

"Her Majesty won the respect and admiration of nations, governments and monarchs around the world. Fifteen British prime ministers have served under her, plus the many prime ministers, former prime ministers and leaders of our Commonwealth countries," said Cllr Corcoran.

"The whole country and Commonwealth came together in a spirit of enormous celebration to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee – 70 years of unwavering service to her people."

He added: "Flags on all council buildings will be flown at half-mast and I urge all businesses and public organisations, where possible, to do the same. Flags will return to full mast for the proclamation, announcing our new King. They will be lowered again for the 10-day period of mourning.

"Anyone who wishes to lay flowers is welcome to place them at Westfields, Sandbach, Macclesfield Town Hall, or at Municipal Square, in Crewe."

Across the borough, politicians, community groups, businesses and residents have taken to social media to pay their respects to the much loved monarch.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan tweeted: "RIP Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022

"The Queen was the best of us. Service and duty above all else. These pictures from Crewe and Leighton Hospital spanning generations show her dedication unwavering over the decades. I am deeply saddened at her passing."

Town councils have also taken to social media.

Knutsford Town Council tweeted: "The council is saddened to hear of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

"A remarkable monarch who led our country for the last 70 years.

"We will be opening a book of condolence at our offices tomorrow morning. Floral tributes may be laid at the flagpole of the council offices."

Knutsford town councillor Andrew Malloy tweeted: "A sad, sad day for the country, the commonwealth and the world.

"Rest in peace your majesty."

Crewe Town Council has posted a message of condolence on Facebook to say: "We are saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 – 2022. We join with the nation in mourning her loss."

Alsager councillor Michael Unett tweeted: "Rest In Peace HM Queen Elizabeth II  21st April 1926 – 8th September 2022. Thank you for all your service Ma'am"

Cllr Connor Naismith, who represents Crewe West on Cheshire East Council, tweeted: "Rest in peace Her Majesty the Queen. Her reign has been extraordinary, having been a constant figure in so many of our lives, during a time of huge changes in society and economy. Thoughts are with her family, and all those mourning her loss."

Cheshire East Council tweeted: "Councillors and members of Cheshire East Council are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and would like to express our sincere condolences to the Royal Family."

Tributes have also come from the emergency services.

Cheshire's Chief Constable Mark Roberts posted, on behalf of Cheshire Police: "The Constabulary is extremely saddened to have learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

"The Queen served as our Head of State for 70 years, a truly remarkable reign with an unwavering devotion to serving the public and our country.

"My thoughts, and the condolences of the Constabulary, are with her family at this sad time.

"We will continue to work alongside and support our local communities as we reflect on and mourn the loss of Her Majesty.

And North West Ambulance NHS Trust tweeted: "All at North West Ambulance Trust are extremely saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

"Our thoughts go to her family at this sad time and we send to them our deepest condolences."