Union flags are being flown at half-mast across the county to mark the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The National Proclamation, the official announcement of Her Majesty's death and acknowledgement of the commencement of the King's new reign, will take place at 11am on Saturday 10 September at St James Palace.

The Local Proclamation will take place the following day on Sunday 11 September in Taunton.

The Local Proclamation will be read out by the High Sheriff of Somerset, Jennifer Duke, in front of the Market House in Taunton town centre, at 1pm. The public are welcome to observe the Local Proclamation. The Local Proclamation in Taunton is a short ceremony supported by the five councils - Somerset County Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Mendip District Council and South Somerset District Council.

Following the Proclamation in Taunton, Glastonbury Town Council has organised a local reading of The Accession Proclamation for King Charles III. This proclamation will take place at 4pm on the veranda at the front of the Town Hall on Sunday, September 11. The proclamation will be read by the Town Crier and will be followed by a piece of music by the Town's Official Bagpiper. All are welcome to attend.

A book of condolence will be available for the community in the Glastonbury Information Centre and any floral tributes may be left around the Pencil Oak Tree at the entrance to St Dunstan's Car Park, planted as part of the Queen's Green Canopy for the Platinum Jubilee year.

St John's Church will be open from 8:30am on Friday and Saturday for anyone who wishes to pay their respects to Her Majesty and the Royal Family. Prayers will be read at the service on Sunday at 10am for the Royal Family. A civic service will be announced in due course.

In line with national protocol, the Union Flag will be raised to full mast on Saturday 10 September at 11am for the accession proclamation. It will not be lowered until after the local reading of the proclamation on Sunday 11 September. The Union Flag will then remain at half-mast until 9am on the day after the state funeral.

Books of Condolence have been opened at all the Council offices including Mendip District Council offices in Shepton Mallet. There is a table located in the reception area available during office hours 8.30am - 5pm.

Buckingham Palace has opened an e-Book of Condolence for people to leave tributes to Queen Elizabeth II 24/7 online here: royal.uk website.

The Chair of Mendip District Council, Cllr Helen Sprawson-White, has laid a wreath outside Highfield House, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet (near the District Council Offices). Residents are welcome to place floral tributes on the grass area in front of the House but are asked to be mindful of the environment and remove wrapping or choose biodegradable items.