Books of condolence for Queen's death open in Lyndhurst, Lymington, New Milton, Hythe, Fawley, Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Totton, Beaulieu, Hordle and Christchurch

AS the UK enters its fourth day of a 10-day national mourning period following the death of the Queen on Thursday, books of condolence have been opened across the New Forest and Christchurch in which grieving locals can pay their respects or record their memories.

New Forest District Council's base at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst, opened to the public over the weekend for residents to sign its book, and the offices will be open from today (Monday) until Friday between 9am and 4pm. On Wednesday they will open until 7pm.

Books of condolence are also available at Lymington Town Hall from 9am until 4pm Monday to Friday, opening until 7pm on Wednesday; New Milton information office Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm; Hythe information office from 9am until 7pm Monday to Friday; Fawley information office between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday; Fordingbridge Town Hall from 10am to midday, and 5pm to 7pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday; Totton's info office is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and Friday 9am to 4.30pm.

A book has also been opened at Hordle's parish office, which will be accessible Monday to Friday, 10am until midday

In Ringwood, the Gateway offices will welcome residents between 9am and 4pm from Monday to Friday, and New Milton information office will open from 9am until 4pm Monday to Friday.

A spokesperson for Ringwood Town Council said: "Councillors and staff are deeply saddened by the announcement of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II and offer our heartfelt condolences to King Charles III and the Royal family, during this time of immense sadness."

New Milton Memorial centre also a book of condolence for any members of the public to come and leave their memories and thoughts.

In Highcliffe, an image of the Queen has been attached to the eight-foot-high clock marking King George V's coronation by the Highcliffe Action Team (HAT). Locals are encouraged to leave their messages of condolence and thanks, and HAT spokesperson Jane Dean said the mark of respect has been very well received on the town.

“We share the loss of our wonderful Queen with the whole nation," she said. "But, in our little corner of the world, we wanted to give the residents of Highcliffe somewhere to reflect upon this huge loss.

"Jeanette Lovelock and Sign Envy came up with the idea, which we feel is a most fitting tribute.”

A selection of posts can be seen on HAT’s #LoveHighcliffe Facebook page.

Bransgore Parish Council has opened a book of condolence in the foyer of the village hall, open weekdays 9am to 3pm.

A book has already been opened by Lord Montagu for people to sign at Palace House in Beaulieu, and Christchurch residents can pay their respects by signing condolence books at Christchurch library and in the grounds next to the North Porch at Christchurch Priory.

BCP Council leader Cllr Drew Mellor said: “It is important that people have an opportunity to give their sympathies.

"I encourage those who would like to, to take the opportunity to write down their memories of Her Majesty the Queen, so we can all collectively share this time of mourning."

For a full list of addresses and contact details of information centres across the New Forest, visit www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1163/Information-offices

An online book of condolence is also available on the royal.uk website.