Residents and Civic dignitaries are gathering at Cheshire East Council headquarters today (Sunday) in Sandbach to hold the official proclamation announcing the succession of King Charles III.

The proclamation at Westfields will be led by the Mayor of Cheshire East, Councillor David Marren, accompanied by the chief executive, Dr Lorraine O'Donnell and the Archdeacon of Macclesfield.

The Archdeacon of Macclesfield, The Venerable Ian Bishop, will lead a short service commemorating the life of Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II.

It is customary for councils to hold their proclamation the day after the Royal proclamation, in London, on this occasion at St James's Palace at 11am during a meeting of the Privy Council.

Residents can expect to see the Union Flag, currently at half-mast on all council buildings in Cheshire East, raised to full mast for this event. Flags will then be lowered again for the period of mourning.

The King has stated that a period of mourning will continue for seven days following the funeral of the late Queen.

Books of condolence have been opened at council offices in Macclesfield, Sandbach and Crewe.

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader and Cllr David Marren, Mayor of Cheshire East are sending messages of condolence to the Royal Family and people are invited to lay flowers at council buildings.  

Sandbach is holding its own official proclamation of the Accession on The Cobbles in Sandbach at 4 pm with a group of musicians forming a band.