A SOUTHAMPTON community has lit candles in a touching tribute following the death of the Queen.

Reverend Sarah Rumble opened St Denys Church yesterday evening to allow people to come a light a candle following the death of the Queen.

Rev Rumble said she wanted to create a space to "anyone and everyone" who wished to pay tribute and be in the company of others.

She said: "We wanted to create a space for anyone and everyone because there's that point where I think social media can be a place to response but it can still be quite isolating.

Daily Echo:

"We thought that we can create a space respectful of lots of different people's feelings, opinions, but also a space where we can press pause.

"There's also that sense for me of wanting to hold vigil, press pause on life.

"There's something for me personally as a priest to just be still and hold vigil, to remember, to pay respects.

"People will be grieving in lots of different ways, the family who knew the Queen personally, to children who have grown up hearing stories about her, to people who have had brief encounters.

"I was speaking with someone earlier today who was 95-years-old and we reflected how her life and the Queen's life kind of kept each other company.

"For me, part of it is to recognise what many different people will be thinking and feeling.

"We want this to be a space where people can come and lay flowers or simply light a candle, if people want to be together they can be."