A MYSTERY trio were seen removing the wrapping from flowers left to The Queen outside Worcester Cathedral.

The three were seen with filled black bin bags stripping the flowers of their plastic and paper covering.

Bouquets were then placed back onto the Cenotaph which has become a place for people to leave their tributes.

An eyewitness said the three did not seem to be part of an official body such as the council but believes they may have been doing it voluntarily.

The eyewitness said: "As I drove past the cathedral, I saw three women removing all the wrapping on the floral tributes left for The Queen.

"They did not seem to be working on behalf of anyone as they were not wearing high vis and did not seem to have lanyards.

"They had already filled a couple of bin bags when I went past."

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On Sunday, a Worcester News reporter visited Worcester Cathedral and the majority of the wrapping had been removed.

Some newer flowers still had the wrapping, but a lot of the older bouquets were stripped.

Worcestershire County Council has now suggested an alternative for anyone who cannot get to the Cathedral to lay flowers or who would prefer to show their respects in another way.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council has asked for people to not leave 'gifts' or anything which is not flowers.

It requested people removed plastic wrapping around the flowers and also removes any other packaging.

The flowers will eventually be collected by Cathedral staff and turned into mulch.

The council also suggested a number of ways people can honour The Queen without leaving flowers.

The spokesperson said: "There are a number of ways residents can pay their respect to our late sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"If you would like to sign a book of condolence, please visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/bookofcondolence where details of the physical books can be found as well as access to an online version all of which will be open until after the state funeral on Monday 19 September.

"If residents and businesses would like to donate, Worcestershire Community Foundation has been suggested by the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, for donations."