A lone piper took to the fells overlooking Accrington last night to honour Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Paul Burns, 34, played Amazing Grace while overlooking the town following the announcement of her death on Thursday, September 8.

He said: “When I heard the news yesterday, I felt I had to do something to show my appreciation of her life and service to the country.

"The bagpipes looking over Accrington seemed like a fitting tribute to HM The Queen.”

Paul, who has been a member of the Accrington Pipe Band for 15 years, briefly met the Queen when she visited Accrington in 2012 for her Diamond Jubilee.

Paul said: “Unfortunately, I didn't get to speak to the Queen when she visited in 2012, we were playing as she was outside of the town hall in Accrington.

“She did give us a smile as she went past us though.

“What an amazing day it was for the whole town. Hundreds of people came to see her and Prince Philip.

“I was extremely proud to be able to play for her as I know she had a love of Scotland and the bagpipes. A day I will never forget.”

Also assistant headteacher of St Andrews Primary School in Oswaldtwistle, Pauls's tribute to the Queen has taken social media by storm, with many commenting how lovely and fitting the tribute was.

People from across East Lancashire and the world have paid tribute to Her Majesty, including MP for Hyndburn Sara Britcliffe.

In a statement, she said: “I am overwhelmed with sadness on the death of Her Majesty.

“Through the entire lives of almost all of us, the one true constant has been the steady, ever-present force of nature, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.

“I would like to pay tribute to an extraordinary woman who gave her entire life to the service of our country.

“Across Hyndburn and Haslingden and the entire country tonight, we come together to mourn not only the passing of our monarch, but the end of an era.

“I know I speak for my constituents when I say a heartfelt thank you to our Queen for always being by our side.

“We will miss her terribly. My thoughts are with the Royal Family. Thank you Ma’am.”