THURROCK'S Labour leader Cllr John Kent has issued a message this evening following the annoucement of the death of QWueen Elizabeth II.

He said: "Like so many people I have never known anything other than the Queen being our monarch, she has been the one constant in a rapidly changing world since her coronation in 1953 - she has been a beacon of stability and hope.

"The news of her passing is dreadfully sad and millions of people in this country and across the commonwealth will mourn her loss.

"Her total devotion to duty was unparalleled and she served with immense distinction and dignity right to the very end.

"Whilst her death will leave a huge hole in the heart of our nation - and the world - we must also remember that she was a much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother and keep her family in our thoughts and prayers."