Ammanford and the surrounding areas have joined the rest of the UK in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen died at Balmoral on the afternoon of Thursday, September 8, while King Charles III and the Queen Consort remain in Scotland for the time being.

Across the UK and worldwide, people have begun their mourning, including people across Carmarthenshire.

Ammanford Town Hall’s flag has been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect to the Queen, along with other council buildings in Carmarthenshire, including Llanelli Town Hall and County Hall in Carmarthen.

Blue flags at Cefn Sidan Beach and Pendine Beach have also been lowered to half-mast.

Books of Condolence will be opened at the HWB, Ammanford as well as at County Hall and Llanelli Town Hall on Monday, September 12.

They will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4.30pm on Friday, and will remain open until the day following the funeral.

A spokesperson from Ammanford Town Council said: “On this sad occasion, we remember that while we observe the passing of the head of state, a family mourns a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

"May our prayers be with those who wake or watch or weep this night, and may she rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Jonathan Edwards, MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said: “Her majesty the Queen dedicated her life to public service making and unrivalled contribution which is recognised all over the world.

“Ultimately, our thoughts will be with her children and grandchildren as they grieve at the loss of the head of their family.”

Chairman of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Rob Evans, said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of The Queen and on behalf of the council and residents we extend our deepest sympathies to The Royal Family.

“Her Majesty the Queen was Britain's longest-reigning monarch and truly was the Queen of Queens.”

Even local sports clubs offered their condolences to the Royal Family.

A spokesperson from Llandovery Drovers RFC said: “It is with great regret that Llandovery Rugby Club note the passing this afternoon of Her Majesty the Queen.

“Sadly over the last few years, Llandovery RFC has passed our condolences to so many families associated with the club and today we similarly pass on our deepest sympathies to our Patron, His Majesty King Charles III, and of course to his extended family.

“We are sure that in doing so we reflect the views of all our members and supporters and indeed the residents of our broader community.”