The loss shared by people across the county over the death of the Queen Mother has been registered in a series of books of condolence.

Her supporters range from the young to the elderly, from politicians to loyal residents, many of whom have left touching messages in the records which have opened at public buildings.

In Eastbourne, civic dignitaries led the tributes to the royal in a book of condolence at the town hall in Grove Road, where the Union Flag flew at half mast.

Mayor David Stevens was the first to sign the book, saying her influence on all people's lives will be greatly missed.

He said: "The Queen Mother set an example of courage, determination, duty and comfort throughout her long life, yet always her goodness came shining through.

"The thoughts and prayers of the town are with the Royal Family at this time of great sadness."

Other tributes came from borough councillors Sheila Charlton, Patrick Bowker and East Sussex County Council chairman, Michael Tunwell.

Borough council leader Graham Marsden wrote of a woman whose "lifetime of service and devotion to the needs of our country" would never be forgotten.

Outside, Terri Curtis, of Willingdon, near Eastbourne, silently wept, saying: "We will never see her like again."

Eastbourne Tory MP Nigel Waterson joined his constituents in signing the book. Afterwards, he said: "She had a special place in the hearts of the wartime generation but she also worked her magic on successive generations."

The book will remain in the hall until next Tuesday and the Union Flag will also remain at half-mast as a mark of respect.

Many people who visited Eastbourne's theatres on Saturday night heard the news for the first time.

A spokesman for Eastbourne Borough Council said theatre managers held a minute's silence before the start of shows and turned off canopy lights, following the example of theatres in the West End.

A letter on behalf of staff and councillors at Wealden District Council was sent to the Queen's private secretary Sir Robin Janvrin.

The letter expressed members' sympathies and asked for their condolences to be passed on to the Queen.

Books of condolence were opened at Wealden District Council offices in Pine Grove, Crowborough, and in Vicarage Lane, Hailsham. The books will be open to sign between 8.30am and 5.30pm throughout April.

Young and old have been signing the book of condolence at Worthing Town Hall.

One message read: "To a true lady who will be greatly missed by the nation."

One 11-year-old girl had just written the words "God Bless".

In Mid Sussex, Councillor Christopher Hersey, chairman of the Mid Sussex District Council, sent condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of the people.

He said: "An era has now come to an end and I know I can speak for the residents of Mid Sussex in saying she will be sadly missed and impossible to replace."

The Union Flag is flying at half mast and a book of condolence has been opened at the council offices in Oaklands Road, Haywards Heath.

In Burgess Hill, residents were also paying their respects to the Queen Mother's death. A book of condolences has been opened at Burgess Hill Town Council help point and chairman Gill Balsdon will be sending a formal message to Buckingham Palace.

One message in the book, written by Jan Blythe, read: "She seems to have been with us forever. It doesn't seem right without her."

Another mourner wrote: "As the gran of the nation, you will be sadly missed."

In one poignant tribute, a girl had drawn a picture of herself with a sad face and written her name, Rachel, by the side.

Town clerk David Carden said: "On Saturday evening when we first heard the news, the flag was immediately lowered to half mast."

He said the reaction of people in Burgess Hill had been similar to the feelings shared elsewhere.

West Sussex County Council has organised a condolence book at County Hall in Chichester, where the Union Flag is also flying at half-mast.

Adur District Council has a book of condolence in the main foyer of the civic centre in Ham Road, Shoreham. The book will remain open until the Queen Mother's funeral.

Arun District Council has set up a book of condolence at its offices at the civic centre in Littlehampton and Bognor Town Hall.

A spokeswoman said all the council's flags in the district were flying at half mast.

Chichester District Council is in the process of setting up a book. It is expected to be available from today.

Littlehampton Town Council has set up a book of condolence at its offices in the Manor House in Church Street and Bognor Town Council has started a book at Bognor Town Hall.

In Hove Town Hall, the book is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm.

Security Officer David Goldsmith, from Telscombe Cliffs, was the first to sign it.

He said: "I helped to get it ready and I thought I would do the honours. I wrote, 'the Queen Mother will be sadly missed. God bless her.'"

At Brighton Town Hall, signatures in the book of condolence include that of leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Ken Bodfish.

John Watson, from the Brunswick area, was the first to sign the book.

He wrote: "Greatly missed, our wartime Queen. Also greatly remembered for her many visits to Preston Manor in the Thirties with her husband, then Duke of York."

Pamela Hine wrote: "Her Majesty served our country with great dignity to the very end. May she rest in peace. Much respect and admiration."

The book is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.