ALMOST 1,000 messages of sympathy and respect have been written in honour of Queen Elizabeth II in condolence books across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.

Messages written by and on behalf of thousands of BCP residents have been logged since last week at Bournemouth and Christchurch libraries, as well as Poole Museum.

All three official venues with the books are open on Saturday (September 17), and Poole Museum is also open on Sunday (September 18). However, all three venues will be closed on Monday, September 19, for Her Majesty’s state funeral and national bank holiday.

Among the first to sign the book of condolence in Bournemouth was resident Dorota Careford, who told the Echo: “The Queen is the mother of this country, she has always held everybody together and that's amazing, that’s an inspiration for the future generations.”

Chairman of BCP Council, Councillor Nigel Hedges, said: “Floral tributes may continue to be laid at the War Memorials in Bournemouth and Poole, and at Christchurch Priory. I would also like to remind you that there will be a nationally observed one-minute silence taking place this Sunday at 8pm.

“I’m sure we will all stop what we are doing and to take this moment to pause and reflect on Queen Elizabeth’s lifetime of service.”