Flag raised over St Nicolas Church, in Newbury, for two hours in honour of the new King Charles III

The flag over St Nicolas Church, in Newbury, has been raised for two hours today (Saturday).

The move is in honour of the new King Charles III.

The flag had been flying at half mast since the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was announced on Thursday evening.

Zenon Bowrey, flag raiser at St Nicolas Church, raised the flag at 11am today and it will be lowered to half mast again at 1pm.

Bells also rang out at churches across West Berkshire and North Hampshire – including St Nicolas – at midday yesterday (Friday) to mark the death of the Queen.

The Church of England encouraged parish churches, chapels and cathedrals to ring their bells for an hour.

As a mark of respect, bells were muffled where possible. This only happens on the death of a monarch.