SOUTHEND’S city status is set to be a marked with a special ceremony to celebrate the landmark occasion when the Queen formally confers the honour.

Council bosses want to see dignitaries join together to see a hand over as it changes from a town into a city.

Ron Woodley, Independent deputy leader of Southend Council, said the funeral for Sir David Amess will be held first, then the Government has six to 12 weeks to arrange paperwork.

It comes as residents can choose from a number of services and memorials being held to honour the late MP, who fought for years to get city status for Southend.

The Conservative politician died from stab wounds following an incident at the Belfairs Methodist Church on October 15.

Services will be held at St Mary’s Church in Prittlewell on November 22 and Leigh Community Centre is holding an evening of reflection between 5.45pm and 8pm on the same day.

Mr Woodley said: “There will be nothing for the status before the funeral and then the Government has six to 12 weeks to get the paperwork over.

“I think the Government will have a ceremonial approach and it would be good to have an event in the borough to mark it too.

“It would be good to see some form of handover with the council leader and the mayor and other dignitaries.”

Former mayor John Lamb said it’s important constituents can say their goodbyes to Sir David.

He said: “We are being told we are a city officially but we are waiting for the documents to come and it’s signed by the Queen.

“I think it’s very important that people get the chance to go along to an event and pay their respects and be given time to be able to do that.

“There’s going to be so many people who want to do that and congregations at different churches.

“We are certainly trying to do him proud and that’s why so many people are asking to come along.”

Books on condolences are also available at various locations including the Civic Centre in Victoria Avenue, Southend from 10am to 7pm every day.

The book is located in the Jubilee Room which is on the ground floor of the building.

Following services in Southend, Sir David will be laid to rest on Tuesday, November 23 after a funeral service at Westminster Cathedral.

Mr Lamb added: “I think it’s very important people get their chance to express their feelings and show the family that they feel the grief albeit not as much as his loved ones.”

Ali Harbi Ali has been charged with murder and preparing acts of terrorism. He is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on December 21.