Church bells across Southampton rang out 96 times at midday today in a poignant tribute to the Queen.

As the city marks the death of Her Majesty, mourners gathered at St Mary's Church to pay their respects.

Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral yesterday surrounded by her family who had travelled to the Scotland residence earlier in the day.

Her death was announced by Buckingham Palace at around 6.30pm.

Books of condolence have been set up at the Civic Centre and three of the city's libraries to allow residents to share their messages to the Queen.

Pictures of Her Majesty are lighting up billboards across the city and members of the public have started to lay flowers in her memory.

READ MORE: Latest udpates as Southampton mourns the Queen

READ MORE: All the things happening in Southampton today as national mourning begins

St Mary's Church has been open since 9.30am for prayers and reflection.

Its bells rang out 96 times as a tribute to the Queen's age.

Watch and listen below:

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