Hundreds of people have signed a book of condolence in memory of Margaret Thatcher during an “emotional week” at the Finchley Conservatives office.

Politicians and supporters have flocked to the Ballards Lane party headquarters since the death of the former Finchley MP and Prime Minister last Monday.

Messages of sympathy have now run in to a third book, each containing almost 250 signatures, and some people have travelled from as far as Liverpool and Plymouth to pay their respects.

Conservative party agent Rachel Shawcross said: “The first thing I did when I heard the news was go and buy a book for people to sign. You never know if people will want to come in but we have been inundated.

“People from all walks of life have come in with their stories and memorabilia – it has been quite nice.”

Staff have collected a folder of condolence cards, brought in by supporters, which will be sent to Baroness Thatcher’s family this week.

The book will remain open until a few days after Baroness Thatcher is laid to rest on Wednesday in a funeral with full military honours in central London.

Mrs Shawcross said: “A feeling of pride that she was our MP is definitely there. It has all happened so quickly and it will take some time for the dust to settle before we can sit down and realise how big a thing this is.”