HUNDREDS of people attended the proclamation of King Charles III at the Civic Centre in Bournemouth.

The proclamation was read out by Cllr Nigel Hedges, The Chairman of BCP Council, at 3pm on Sunday, September 11.

Representatives from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were in attendance along with members of the public.

A marching band played before and after the announcement.

READ MORE: What is happening and when in the days leading to Queen's funeral

At the event, BCP Council Chief Executive Graham Farrant said: “It’s a really important day in the nation’s history and I’m really proud that we could celebrate it at BCP Council in this way.

“Look at the number of people that turned up for it so it obviously has real meaning to local people. From the council’s point of view we want to mark these parts of our tradition, the accession of a new king doesn't happen very often so it's really important that we celebrate it in the right way.

“I’m really pleased that the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff were able to get here from Dorchester just for this event. So we’re really pleased with it.

“Events like this can bring the three towns together in unity, and that's what we're trying to achieve.

“There are different needs in each of the three towns and we have to recognise that but on an occasion like this I think it's really good that we share it as a council as a whole.”

READ MORE: Daily Echo reader tributes in book of condolence

Resident Valerie Millin said: “It was nice to be here to celebrate the life of our beloved Queen and the immediate succession.

“I’m proud to be British and we wish the king every happiness and success.”

Resident Joan Penfold said: “It was very touching, very well executed, very brief but it was just perfect I thought. I think King Charles is going to be great, he's going to be a wonderful king.

“I've always thought that actually and after his speech I think that just clinched it for everybody.”

Members of the public visited the War Memorial in Bournemouth's Central Gardens to lay flowers after the event.

The council is still encouraging residents to lay floral tributes at war memorials in Bournemouth and Poole and by the North Porch of Christchurch Priory.

Condolence books remain available for any residents to sign during normal opening hours at Bournemouth and Christchurch libraries as well as Poole Museum.