TRIBUTES are being paid across the Keighley district following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The town's MP, Robbie Moore, says: "It is incredibly sad news.

"Her Majesty the Queen has been a steadfast and resolute part of public life throughout her 70-year reign.

"Her dedication, devotion and commitment to public duty, to our country and the commonwealth was unparalleled.

"She provided great stability and reassurance for all throughout her reign and she carried out her role with humility.

"All of us across Keighley and Ilkley will feel a great sense of personal loss as only a few will know or remember a time without Her Majesty the Queen on the throne.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the King, the royal family and the entire nation during this time.

"May Her Majesty rest in peace."

Rector of Keighley, the Rev Canon Mike Cansdale, says: "Today's sad news touches all of our hearts.

"Queen Elizabeth II was a remarkable woman and an inspiration to us all. Her steadfast faith and loyal service throughout 70 years as monarch will be long remembered.

"Keighley Shared Church will be open on Friday and Saturday (September 9 & 10) from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Do come in to sit and pray, to light a candle and sign a book of condolence. We are planning with the town council a special commemorative service and will announce this very soon. We give thanks for the life of Queen Elizabeth II and pray for her family and the nation in this time of mourning."

Town mayor, Councillor Luke Maunsell, said: "For the vast majority of her citizens, Her Majesty is the only monarch they have ever known. As a result, she has become the benchmark for our royal family and one which will never be easy to surpass.

"She has been a rock, a stalwart, a once-in-a-lifetime representative for the United Kingdom and one which will never, nor should ever, be forgotten.

"In these dark times, I urge all of us in this town to rally together and unify as we, and the rest of the commonwealth, did in her Platinum Jubilee.

"Earlier this year, we celebrated her life and service and nothing seems more fitting now.

"Whilst it is perfectly natural to mourn, we also must honour - remembering the landmark achievements of her reign and how she has done us proud for so long and made this nation great.

"I also would ask that our wishes and love are sent to her family and that they receive nothing but our support.

"Overall, I extend my deepest sympathies and thoughts to this nation, the royal family and our commonwealth and international friends.

"The world has lost a true icon and this country its crowning glory."

Mayor of Silsden, Councillor Mags Croft, voiced her condolences on behalf of Silsden Town Council.

Foluke Ajayi, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said the news had brought "a deep sadness" to everyone at Airedale.

She added: "Her Majesty the Queen set a steadfast example of hard work, diligence, compassion and commitment to others throughout her long reign. It was a proud moment for us all when she awarded NHS staff the George Cross earlier this year.

"Our focus now is to support our staff, patients, visitors and our communities, following the example set by the Queen throughout her life.

"On behalf of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust we send our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the royal family at this time."

A book of condolence for staff, patients and visitors has been provided in the Airedale Hospital chapel.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Martin Love, expressed his "great sadness".

As a mark of respect and in line with national protocol, flags on City Hall and civic buildings across the district will be flown at half-mast until 8am on the morning of the day following the funeral.

Books of condolence are being opened across the district for members of the public to pay their respects and an online book of condolence will also be set up.

A national online book of condolence will be opened by Buckingham Palace at royal.uk.

In line with official protocols the Lord Mayor of Bradford will write a letter of condolence to offer the sympathies of the district, which will be passed on to the new sovereign.

Cllr 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.”

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.”

Council chief executive, Kersten England, said: “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.”

Leader of the Conservative group on the council, Worth Valley councillor Rebecca Poulsen, said: "My Conservative group colleagues and I are, like many millions of people across the world, deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"It is a testament to her long-standing devotion to service of the people of Britain, the commonwealth and others throughout the world, that there is such a worldwide, palpable, feeling of shared grief. Her Majesty’s acts of empathy towards the victims of natural disasters and other causes of suffering, are too numerous to memorise or list.

"Her Majesty only very recently appointed the nation’s 15th prime minister under her reign, which in itself says a great deal about the duration of and the level of her dedication to the people of the United Kingdom.

"Her Majesty continued to work through ongoing serious mobility issues at 96 years of age, having showed great stoicism in serving the people whilst still grieving for her husband and consort of 73 years, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Behaviours which were typical of her character and of great credit to her.

"Coupled with these characteristics, Her Majesty’s acutely diplomatic ability to transcend internal and international political differences, her natural warmth and endearing smile – shared with anyone and everyone, it goes without saying that Queen Elizabeth II will rightly be recorded in history as a monarch of the people.

"Like the rest of the people of the United Kingdom, the members of the Conservative group on Bradford Council share our deepest sympathies with all of those who loved her Majesty and we deeply mourn her passing."