Following the death of the Queen, Saffron Walden Town Council and residents gathered to pay tribute and attend the Proclamation of the Accession of King Charles III.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Cllr James De Vries, Mayor of Saffron Walden, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, lays a floral tribute in Jubilee Gardens, on Sunday, September 11Cllr James De Vries, Mayor of Saffron Walden, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, lays a floral tribute in Jubilee Gardens, on Sunday, September 11 (Image: Copyright 2022 Celia Bartlett)

The Proclamation service was held outside the Town Hall in Market Square on Sunday at 3pm.

Town Mayor Cllr James de Vries addressed the crowd, noting their sorrow at the death of the Queen, before continuing to read the official Proclamation declaring the new King's reign, concluding with a moving rendition of 'God Save the King'.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Cllr James De Vries, Mayor of Saffron Walden, reads the Proclamation of the Ascension of King Charles III, in the Market Place in Saffron WaldenCllr James De Vries, Mayor of Saffron Walden, reads the Proclamation of the Ascension of King Charles III, in the Market Place in Saffron Walden (Image: Copyright 2022 Celia Bartlett)

Councillors and the Mayor then proceeded to Jubilee Gardens where flowers were laid in memory of the Queen.

Cllr de Vries said: “It was a tremendous honour to read the King's Proclamation of Accession to the residents of Saffron Walden who had gathered in the market square on Sunday.

"Special thanks to our wonderful town council staff and officers for all the hard work and effort to help us mark this special occasion.

Saffron Walden Reporter: God Save the King is sung at The Proclamation of the Ascension of King Charles III at the Council Offices on London Road in Saffron WaldenGod Save the King is sung at The Proclamation of the Ascension of King Charles III at the Council Offices on London Road in Saffron Walden (Image: Copyright 2022 Celia Bartlett)

"I wish King Charles all the best in his role as our Monarch. I have no doubt he will rise to the occasion and show the same dedication to his Country as Queen Elizabeth had so diligently before him. God save the King.”

Saffron Walden Reporter: Cllr Heather Asker, Chair of Uttlesford District Council reads The Proclamation of the Ascension of King Charles III with Saffron Walden Mayor, Cllr James DeVries and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mrs Lorna Rolfe JP DL MA alongsideCllr Heather Asker, Chair of Uttlesford District Council reads The Proclamation of the Ascension of King Charles III with Saffron Walden Mayor, Cllr James DeVries and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mrs Lorna Rolfe JP DL MA alongside (Image: Copyright 2022 Celia Bartlett)

Town Clerk Lisa Courtney said: “The Town Council and residents of Saffron Walden paid a fitting tribute to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

"This historic event, the death of a reigning monarch, is an important and monumental occasion which must be recognised with the appropriate level of civic respect and decorum.

Saffron Walden Reporter: God Save the King is sung at The Proclamation of the Ascension of King Charles III at the Council Offices on London Road in Saffron WaldenGod Save the King is sung at The Proclamation of the Ascension of King Charles III at the Council Offices on London Road in Saffron Walden (Image: Copyright 2022 Celia Bartlett)

"Early planning and preparation for the Queen’s death (known as London Bridge) were made some weeks and months earlier by Georgia Arnold and this meticulous planning enabled the town council to be ready, prepared and agile in the memorial events.”

Saffron Walden Reporter: Members of the public sing God Save the King at The Proclamation of the Ascension of King Charles III in the Market Place in Saffron WaldenMembers of the public sing God Save the King at The Proclamation of the Ascension of King Charles III in the Market Place in Saffron Walden (Image: Celia Bartlett)

The town council's book of condolences is available to sign in the Town Hall between 9am and 4pm every day until Friday, September 16.

It can also be signed on Saturday, September 17 in the tourist information centre between 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Cllr James De Vries, Mayor of Saffron Walden, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, lays a floral tribute in Jubilee GardensCllr James De Vries, Mayor of Saffron Walden, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, lays a floral tribute in Jubilee Gardens (Image: Copyright 2022 Celia Bartlett)

Should residents wish to lay floral tributes, the town council asks that the cellophane is removed and that they are laid in Jubilee Gardens.

The town council will be arranging a commemorative community day, where people are encouraged to share experiences, photos and memorabilia of the Queen. Further details are to be announced.