As people across Staffordshire come to terms with the announcement of the death of Her Majesty the Queen, civic leaders have been reacting to the sad news.

 Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "I am deeply saddened to learn that Her Majesty, the Queen, has passed away. It is undoubtedly a sadness which will be felt across the county and the country.

 "As a young woman she took on the unexpected mantle of becoming Queen and has dedicated her life to serving the country, both here and across the Commonwealth.

 "Her Majesty knew Staffordshire well, visiting the county often, including to mark the official opening of i54 South Staffordshire and when she unveiled a memorial to the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment at the National Memorial Arboretum.

 "As we share in this sadness today with the new King and his family, it is also a time to reflect on the huge contribution she has made to the nation and to say, "Thank you Your Majesty".

 Mr Ian Dudson CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

"It is a sadness that will be shared by the people of Staffordshire and we send our heartfelt condolences to His Majesty The King and all The Royal Family.

"I have the utmost respect for the life of unstinting and selfless service given by our longest reigning monarch throughout the UK and the Commonwealth.

"She has been a symbol of stability and continuity and we are grateful for the many happy memories Her Majesty has given us during visits to this County.

"I look forward with confidence to the reign of our new King who will be a true successor in the twin roles of Head of State and Head of Nation within our monarchy."

 County Councillor Paul Snape, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, said: "It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of our sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.

"It is a sadness that will be shared by her people throughout her realm, as Her Majesty has given unstinting and unselfish service to the people of Great Britain and the Commonwealth.

"In a changing world Her Majesty has been a symbol of stability and continuity. We in Staffordshire mourn her passing whilst at the same time remembering with gratitude the service she has given the nation."

 John Henderson, Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council, said: "I am enormously saddened that Her Majesty, the Queen, has died. 

 "Her life of service to the country and its people has been a beacon for all of us who serve. In my previous role as General Officer Commanding the British Forces in Germany, I had the privilege of meeting the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on several occasions and was always struck by her commitment and steadfast leadership.

 "As Head of the Armed Forces, the Queen led by example, and had great credibility through her own service during the Second World War, and also that of her sons and grandsons in more recent conflicts.

"It is therefore a source of great pride that she had a strong affinity with the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

"Although this is a sad time, I know our new King will serve the nation with the same selfless commitment."

 More details as to how Staffordshire will mark the death of Her Majesty will follow.