TRIBUTES have been paid to the Queen Mother, who died on Saturday aged 101.o

The flags are being flown at half mast across the borough and at Enfield's Civic Centre a book of condolence has been opened for residents to pay their respects.

Council leader Cllr Doug Taylor said: "On behalf of the people of the borough of Enfield I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Queen and to her family at the loss of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

"The death of the Queen Mother has saddened us all but we are grateful for her full and active life in service of the country and we shall cherish her memory always."

Enfield North MP Joan Ryan added: "I think it is very sad. She has made a huge contribution to the country and to public life in this country. She absolutely demonstrated the importance of duty."

Ms Ryan will join other MPs at Westminster today at a special session of Parliament to pay tribute to the Queen Mother.

Meanwhile, Conservative politicians have decided to suspend canvassing for the local elections until next Wednesday as a mark of respect.

The Queen Mother first visited the borough in 1928 as the Duchess of York when she officially opened an extended part of Latymer School in Edmonton and returned to the school in 1965 for a second walkabout.

And in 1975, the Queen Mother visited Enfield to put the royal seal of approval on the council's Civic Centre offices. The occasion is marked by a plaque on the building.

Prayers were said at Easter Sunday services across the borough and remembrance silences were held.

The Rev David James, of Trinity-at-Bowes Methodist Church, Bowes Road, Palmers Green, said of Sunday's service: "There was tremendous respect for the Queen Mother and a sense of thanksgiving for her contribution to the nation as a public servant who helped people and institutions.

"There is a genuine sympathy for the Royal Family at this time, especially for the Queen.

"I cannot think of another nation where one person was the embodiment of such history."

Father Brian Smith, of St Peter with St Martin Church, Lower Edmonton, added: "I hope she has gone to heaven. We had services on Saturday evening and Sunday morning where we said memorial prayers for her and for the Royal Family."

Cecilia Fussell, a poppy organiser, said on behalf of the Edmonton Royal British Legion: "We have lowered all our flags out of respect because she was a lovely woman. She did everything for her people and I think the grandmother of the nation has died.

"She had a long life and she lived it to the full. I think she died of a broken heart after the death of her daughter Margaret no-one wants to have to bury their own children."

April 3, 2002 11:00