CHILDREN at Little Crickets Nursery and Pre-School paid their respects to Queen Elizabeth II at St Mary's Church in Bridgwater after her death.

The nursery took the children to the church on Friday, September 9 – the day after Buckingham Palace confirmed the sad news of the Queen's passing.

The children laid flowers under a tree in the churchground and helped light a candle in her honour.

Rebecca Eades, who owns and manages the nursery, hopes the experience will live long in their memories. 

She said: “The little people of Little Crickets Nursery and Pre-School braved the terrible weather on Friday morning to visit St Mary's Church to pay respect to the Queen.

“The children individually laid a red rose under the tree in the church grounds before heading into the church to watch video slides of the Queen's life and light a candle.

“Everyone at the church was so welcoming to the little people, and we hope it is something the children will grow up and remember.”

Bridgwater Mercury: Floral tributes outside St Mary's Church in Bridgwater on Friday afternoon. Picture: Tom LeamanFloral tributes outside St Mary's Church in Bridgwater on Friday afternoon. Picture: Tom Leaman (Image: Tom Leaman)

Little Crickets Nursery and Pre-School is based at the George Williams Centre in Friarn Road, Bridgwater.

St Mary's Church opened from 10am on Saturday to allow mourners to pay their respects to Her Majesty. 

The church will join others across the country in holding a special service of commemoration on Sunday, Setpember 18 at 5pm. 

A spokesperson for the church said: “We come together as we mourn the death of Her Majesty the Queen. We pray for the Royal family and one another.

“Although our grief is deep, so also is the gratitute in our hearts for her service and the inspiration she has been.”

For more information, visit St Mary's Church's Facebook page.