A BLACKPOOL family spent more than 48 hours camped outside Westminster Abbey to catch a glimpse of the coffin of Britain's favourite grandmother during the Queen Mother's funeral.

Retired haulier Roger Kenny, 54, and his 16-year-old daughter Lara had settled down for their long wait in a small dome tent.

Lara, a pupil at Stoneyhurst College, near Whalley, said: "The Queen Mother was quite special. She was always happy and whatever was going on she had a smile on her face. My dad is a big supporter of the Royal Family and I suppose it just rubbed off on me."

The family brought some supplies with them but also used a cafe nearby.

Mr Kenny added: "We have been to the lying in state and the atmosphere has been marvellous."

On home ground in Talbot Square, Blackpool mayor Sue Wright was joined by councillors and citizens outside the town hall at 11.30am to observe the national two-minutes silence which was signalled by the firing of an RNLI lifeboat maroon.

Coun Wright said: "She was a very gracious lady and I'm glad people came out today as a mark of respect."

Margaret Turnbull and Eleanor Whightman were on holiday from Edinburgh and were glad Blackpool marked the occasion. "She's a great loss to the country and I'm glad we could come here today," said Margaret. "I really loved the Queen Mum as she was always smiling," added Eleanor.

Kathleen Fitzpatrick of Blackpool said: "She was a wonderful person and lived through a lot, like most of the older generation. So we should celebrate her life not just mourn her passing. I saw her at Ascot four years ago and she looked so happy as always.

"I think the lady had moral standards that we won't see again and that's a shame. I think the young ones will miss out now."

Friend Jean Holland added: "I do think now she's gone that the Royal Family won't be the same. And I do hope she has eternal life. God bless her."

Wyre mayor Coun David Sharples also made a heartfelt tribute to the Queen Mother on behalf of the citizens of Wyre.

He said: "Her warmth and compassion brought sunshine into lives everywhere. She was a truly amazing and gracious figure who will be sadly missed but always remembered with great affection.

"Britain has lost a great ambassador whose dedication and dignity was an inspiration to many. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family."