North East mourners travelled to the capital on Monday for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Millions descended on the streets of London including thousands from the North East who made the journey to the capital to pay their respects to the Queen.

Read more: Stokesley church screens the funeral of Queen Elizabeth

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Some took trains before the crack of dawn while others travelled in the past few days, and some even camped out overnight.

Meanwhile relationships were formed as mourners came together over a shared respect for the late monarch.

Among them were tennis partners Tina Watson and Richard Allinson from Northallerton who made new friends on the journey on the first train on Monday morning.

Tina, a personal banker, told The Northern Echo: "She was our Queen and I wanted to pay my respects.

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"We watched the service in Hyde Park and saw the procession, or at least the top of the hearse, and lay a rose in the park. It has certainly been worth the journey.

Read more: Queen Elizabeth II funeral LIVE: Updates as North East says farewell

"It's been a lovely day and I'm planning on coming back down for the coronation."

While Richard, who runs his own business, added: "I've really enjoyed it. We had some problems first thing getting anywhere with lots of road closures but just being here was enjoyable."

The pair formed a bond with fellow passenger Amanda Rixon from Leyburn, North Yorkshire, who told how her mum adored the royals and wanted to be there for the funeral.

Amanda said: "It was definitely worth the early journey. The flowers in Hyde Park were gorgeous and it's just been such a lovely day."

Speaking on their newly formed friendship Tina added: "We've enjoyed a pint together this afternoon, we're exchanging numbers and planning on keeping in touch."

Also making the journey were three generations of one North Tyneside family.

Grandma Debbie, daughter Julie and grandkids Megan and Wayne also made the journey to the capital before dawn on Monday having booked tickets just three days ago.

The family, from Shiremoor, North Tyneside, watched the service in Hyde Park before spending the rest of the day in London.

Grandma Debbie told The Echo: "I'm pleased we came down for it. I wanted to go to Diana's funeral but didn't and always regretted not going.

"It was definitely worth the journey."

Meanwhile, others from the region had travelled to the capital over the lasy week and had taken up prime spots to watch the procession.

Among them were royal-enthusiast Anita Atkinson from County Durham and one lady from Gateshead called Maria who had reportedly been camping out along the mall for the past five days.

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