The Mayor of Verwood, Cllr Simon Gibson, will be reading the Proclamation of Accession for the new King on Ferrett Green at 3pm today (Sunday) and everyone is welcome to attend.

The deputy Mayor and several Councillors will be at county Hall in Dorchester this morning to hear the High Sheriff giving the Proclamation before returning to Verwood to repeat the Proclamation for Verwood residents.

The Councillor, on behalf of the residents of Verwood and Three Legged Cross, has already written to Buckingham Palace to express the Town’s condolences and has laid flowers at the Memorial Stone.

He said: “It is with great sadness that Verwood Town Council learned of the death of Her Royal Highness, The Queen Elizabeth II. The Town Council extends its heartfelt condolences to members of the Royal Family.”

A Book of Condolence is being held in the Town Council office, 28 Vicarage Road, for residents to sign between the hours of 9am and 1pm on weekdays.

Cllr Simon Gibson told VerwoodToday: “These are deeply sad and historic days. The outpouring of love and sympathy for the Royal Family is heartwarming and has brought Verwood together. I would encourage everyone to share their support for the Royal family, Her Late Majesty, and our new King Charles III by signing the book of condolences in the Council offices.”

If you can’t make it, Forest FM will be recording the Proclamation for use in its local news service.