MESSAGES of condolence and praise for the Queen Mother have been pouring in from civic leaders in Hampshire and people in the Basingstoke area.

The death of the nation's favourite grandmother has touched the hearts of the local community and books of condolence have been opened for the public to remember the Queen Mother who died last Saturday afternoon aged 101. Her funeral will take place on Tuesday.

Basingstoke MP Andrew Hunter said the Queen Mother would be missed and praised her patriotism.

The MP said: "The Queen Mother witnessed enormous changes during the turbulent century which her life spanned but throughout she remained indomitably true to the values of duty, loyalty, honour, sacrifice and fortitude."

James Arbuthnot, MP for North East Hampshire, said the Queen Mother was a part of his and everyone's family.

"What was it about the Queen Mother? Somehow I felt she was mine. I think millions of people felt likewise - she was a grandmother who belonged to each one of us, and linked us with the Royal Family through her warmth."

North West Hampshire MP Sir George Young said: "She was a unifying symbol in a time of war, a statement of continuity in a time of peace.

"She was a focal point for loyalty and patriotism, a demonstration of traditional British values.

"Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother charmed all those whom she met and struck a chord with those who saw her on television.

"She was both 'one of us' and a member of the Royal Family."

Cllr Ken Thornber, leader of Hampshire County Council, said that many people were touched by the Queen Mother's down-to-earth charm.

He said: "The country has lost a well-loved Queen Mother who, on the many occasions she came to Hampshire, charmed all around her with her serenity and interest in ordinary people and their lives."

Hart District Council chairman Cllr Susan Band said: "She was a remarkable and valiant lady who was held in deep affection by the nation."

Mary Fagan, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, encouraged people to remember the Royal Family who are mourning the loss of its much-loved figurehead.

She said: "The Queen Mother will be remembered throughout Hampshire with great affection and our thoughts must go to The Queen and the Royal Family at this time."

The condolence book at the borough council offices in London Road, Basingstoke, is open until 5pm next Tuesday and already contains many heartfelt tributes.

Among the many Basingstoke residents who wanted to pay their own tribute was Pat Harvey, from Charles Street, Basingstoke, who wrote: "Goodbye to a rock of this country who will be sadly missed. God bless her and the family."

Joan and Jim Berry, from Bramley, wrote: "Thank you for your life, for service, for decency, honesty, loyalty, steadfastness and dignity."

And Julian Brain, from Chopin Road, Brighton Hill, left a short message that sums up many people's feelings: "Thank you for being an angel on earth."