LEADERS and organisations across Northumberland have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death.

Buckingham Palace confirmed earlier today the Queen has died, aged 96.

A statement confirming the news 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."

Hexham MP Guy Opperman said: "The Queen was the best of us and a constant in a changing world. The shock to our country will be profound, as all our lives have evolved with hers.

"Thoughts and prayers with her family. They mourn their mother, and grandmother, as her country mourns her too."

Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, Winton Keenen, said: "It is with sadness we learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"On behalf of everyone at Northumbria Police, I offer sincere condolences to the Royal Family at what must be an extremely difficult time for them.

"All police officers swear allegiance to the reigning Monarch and for so many of us it has been an honour and privilege to serve the Queen for so long.

"Many of the traits displayed by Her Majesty The Queen, in the manner in which she carried out her public duties, are reflected in the behaviours and values demonstrated across policing and particularly here in Northumbria.

"Throughout her reign, she sought to generate community cohesion and bring people together at times of uncertainty, this should continue to serve as an inspiration to us all.

"As we come together to remember and pay tribute to the life of The Queen, Northumbria Police will remain ever present in our support of the local communities we are so proud to be part of."

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II devoted her entire life to this country and the commonwealth. She’s been there in times of celebration and provided stability in darker days. The Queen was loved the world over, she commanded respect and brought our nation endless pride. 

"The duty, commitment and integrity with which she approached public service is an inspiration to us all. She really was an incredible woman.

"As a nation we will come together to celebrate her life and we will all mourn her passing, but we should not forget how difficult this time will be for the Queen’s family, friends and those close to her. My thoughts and best wishes remain with them."

North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll said: "I’m sorry to hear about the death of the Queen. It’s a sad moment for any family, condolences to her family.

"She brought dignity and restraint to her role, and while Prime Ministers have come and gone, most of us never knew anyone else as head of state. It’s the end of an era."

Cllr Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: "We are extremely saddened to hear of Her Majesty the Queen's passing and our thougts are with the Royal Family on this extremely sad day.

"The Queen was a welcome visitor to our county, having visited many areas across the years.

"Her commitment to our nation will be forever remembered and her presence sorely missed."

Cllr Trever Cessford, civic head of Northumberland County Council, has said flags will be lowered at half-mast as a mark of respect and details of where Northumberland residents can pay their respects in books of condolence will be shared in the coming days.

"We join with those across the UK and the world in offering our deepest condolences to all in the Royal Family and Royal households at this time of great loss", said North of Tyne Mountain Rescue.

"Our thoughts are particularly with the patron of MountainRescue, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, and his young family at this most difficult of times."

Hexham Abbey said: "With profound sadness at news of the passing of HM The Queen, Hexham Abbey will remain open this evening until 9pm. Everyone of all faiths and none are welcome to light a candle and sit in quiet reflection.

"The Abbey will reopen at 10am tomorrow morning and there will be a special service at 6.30pm."

The leader of Northumberland Labour, Cllr Scott Dickinson, said: “A sad day across the UK, Commonwealth and world as we hear of the death of Queen Elizabeth II - someone most of us have had in our lives for its entirety. Someone who has been a constant in people’s lives when often other things were not.

“Being there during war, times of crises and gave her all for her entire life, carrying out duty until the day before her death.

"Our thoughts are now with the family as they mourn a loved one, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and with the whole nation as they also mourn the remarkable women that was longest serving monarch.”