Gun salute in honour of Queen Mother

A 40-gun salute is to mark Northern Ireland's tribute to the Queen Mother tomorrow at Hillsborough Castle.

The public has been invited to attend the event at the Royal Family's official residence in Ulster.

A Northern Ireland Office statement said a gun would be fired once every minute from noon in her memory.

A book of condolence will also be opened at the castle on Wednesday to enable members of the Northern Ireland public to pay their own personal tributes.

As the Union flag flew at half mast in the castle, churchgoers across Northern Ireland have been remembering and praying for the Queen Mother. Tributes have continued to flood in from Church leaders and politicians.

The president of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev Harold Good said during the Second World War she epitomised the bravery of the British people.

Presbyterian Church general secretary, Dr Sam Hutchinson said that during her life that the Queen Mother had demonstrated she was a woman of "very real faith.

The Anglican Primate of Ireland, Archbishop Robin Eames said: "The immense sadness that will be felt by so many people at home and abroad at this news will undoubtedly be reflected by members of the Church of Ireland as they recall a lady of great dignity, strong Christian principles and her devotion to family life. Her influence will be sadly missed in the days to come."

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid said the Queen Mother had "touched the hearts of generations of men and women" in the province.

David Trimble and Stormont Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan noted: "Her personal contribution to ordinary people and many charitable organisations was immense especially during and follow the events of the Second World War."