A seven-year-old boy from Darlington has paid a sweet and endearing tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death aged 96 on Thursday (September 8).

After the sad news broke that the UK’s longest serving monarch had passed away at Balmoral in Scotland on Thursday afternoon – thousands of heartfelt tributes flooded in for the Queen.

Among those paying their respects was Darlington schoolboy Blake Walker, who wanted to visit Darlington town centre to lay flowers and a card expressing his gratitude to Queen Elizabeth II.

Accompanied by his mum Laura Barnes, the youngster stood for a few seconds in a reflective moment on Thursday evening, before putting the items down next to other flowers.

In the backdrop of Darlington’s covered market, it made the perfect tribute to the fallen monarch.

Along with the flowers, the card set down by Blake read: “To our gracious Queen – we miss you. Love from Blake (age 7).”

In Darlington, the schoolboy wasn’t the only one paying tribute following the Queen’s death.

Staff and patrons at The Old Dun Cow, in Post House Wynd, stood on the high street for a minute to mark the life of the monarch, while also clapping.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The sweet card Blake signed for the Queen. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe sweet card Blake signed for the Queen. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Across the town, Darlington Borough Council put their flag at half mast, while other public buildings did the same to pay their own respects.

Some businesses also announced on Thursday that they would be closing on Friday, while some sporting events are in danger of being cancelled over the weekend.