As the heavens opened over Manchester Cathedral, the bells began to toll as the city stopped to remember Queen Elizabeth II.
Through the pouring rain, mourners came to the cathedral that Her Majesty visited just fourteen months ago and paid their respects. Every visitor has a different tale to tell about the way the Queen touched their lives, and as the books of condolence filled with heartfelt messages, Manchester mourned for a Queen like no other.
Notable figures from the city's political scene joined members of the public in paying tribute a Queen that has been a constant presence for the nation for decades. Mayor Andy Burnham was joined by leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig and Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Donna Ludford just before midday, in a significant moment for the city's iconic cathdedral.
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And at 12pm, the bells tolled 96 times in Manchester and across the country in salute to a 'remarkable' monarch whose reign has spanned over 70 years of change.
"She just lit up our lives every time we saw her on TV," Marian Smith, who came from Altrincham to pay her respects with husband Gerry, said. "Her smile and her caring ways, her faith in us all."
"She was the mother of the nation," Gerry added. "And she was an outstanding monarch. We came today to pay tribute to a wonderful lady."
Couple Monica and Chris came early this morning to sign the book, and said the occasion was 'very sad' for the nation.
"We didn't sleep all night yesterday," Chris told the M.E.N. "We wanted to make sure we got here early. I was in London doing the same thing 22 years ago when the Queen mother died. It's a sad day."
As they emerged from the Cathedral, Monica clutched a copy of today's newspaper - a special edition paying tribute to the monarch the nation has known since 1953.
"I collect items to do with the Royals," she explained, "So this is important to me. You can see how beautiful her eyes are in the picture."
"She has been there my whole life, just like my mother and father," Chris said. "There will never be another Queen like her."
Joining mourners at the Cathedral was Dean of Manchester Rogers Govender MBE. He recalled with fondness the last time the Queen visited Manchester Cathedral in July 2021, to mark the building's 600th anniversary.
"It was a remarkable visit," he told the M.E.N, "And I think it was the last visit to any of our cathedrals. So we feel extremely privileged and blessed to have been able to greet her.
"She was a great person to host," he continued. "I introduced her to all of my colleagues and I gave to her a gift of six jars of Heavenly Honey, which is made by the bees on the roof of the Cathedral. We had a conversation about that and she was incredibly interested.
"It was a special time, and one that will be in my memory forever."
He said we should all take inspiration from the person she was, her 'example of humble servitutde and leadership,' and her 'faith in God.'
"There will never be another Elizabeth the second in our lifetimes, and it's important that we celebrate her life," he said.
We have turned comments off on this story but you can share your tribute in our online condolence book
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