THE city of York went into mourning yesterday as it awoke to the news that its favourite adopted daughter had finally passed on.

As the former Duchess of York, the Queen Mother had many links with the city and continued her association long after her own daughter came to the throne.

And as the Union Flag fluttered at half-mast over the city's Mansion House, hundreds of worshippers packed into York Minster for the traditional Easter service and bowed their heads for a minute of silent tribute.

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, led the mourners and described the Queen Mother's death as the passing of an era, before offering deepest sympathy to the rest of the Royal Family.

Dr Hope said he had heard the news of the Queen Mother's death with great sadness.

"She has had a unique place in the affections of people not only in this country but throughout the world," he said.

"Her devotion to duty and her steadfastness in the face of adversity was an immense support and a beacon of hope to many - particularly during and after the Second World War.

"Personally, I remember her as someone of great faith, of sharp mind, an amazing memory for detail, immense dedication to her country, with a keen interest in others, and always with a sparkling and cheerful humour which endeared her so readily to so many people.

"May she rest now in peace and rise in glory."

But he reminded the congregation that Easter was a celebration of the risen life of Christ, and added: "Even in our sadness and sorrow, we give thanks this day for the zest for life and love of the people which was so characteristic of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother."

Outside, tourists and locals were enjoying the warm spring sunshine and remembering the Queen Mother in their own way.

One, Marian Main, from Worcester, said: "This really is the end of an era. I think the Queen Mother was the rock that held the Royal Family together and I feel so sorry for the Queen, losing her sister and her mother is such quick succession during her jubilee year."

The Queen Mother first visited the city as the Duchess of York in June 1925, when she unveiled the Five Sisters window at the Minster following a major restoration project and dedicated it to the memory of the women who lost their lives during the First World War.

It was the beginning of a long association with the city, and many visits. In 1960, she opened the restored Guildhall which had been destroyed in an air raid in 1942, and in 1961, she led a large gathering of royalty at the Minster for the wedding of the Duchess of Kent.

At the turn of the millennium, the city paid her its own tribute to her, dedicating Minster bells in her honour after a huge fundraising drive.

The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Raymond Furnell, said the Queen Mother had been the much-loved patron of the Friends of York Minster for many years.

"There is a very, very long association between the Queen Mother and York Minster and, as such, there will be great sadness in York at her death.

"She was a great servant to both the country and the county.