Ninety-six doves will be released into the air as part of the pre-match tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at Carlisle United's game against Mansfield Town tonight.

The Stags have announced that one bird for each year of Her Majesty's Life will be released during the pre-game handshakes.

The gesture has been organised by Mansfield director and funeral director Paul Brown.

It will feature among a series of actions ahead of the game at the One Call Stadium.

Mansfield have published a list of the protocols that will be observed.

All players and officials will be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect, they confirmed.

READ MORE: Carlisle United's Paul Simpson recalls meeting Queen Elizabeth II

The home club has also altered its normal matchday playlist, saying "selected anthems to befit the occasion" will instead be played.

Mansfield have also their normal advertisements which would normally be read over the public address system and displayed on the scoreboard.

"Following the players entering the field of play - and once they and the match official have lined up facing the Ian Greaves Stand - a special tribute to Her Late Majesty will be read via the PA system before the referee signals a minute’s silence," Mansfield added.

"Upon the end of the silence, we then invite you to join in with the National Anthem, God Save The King."

Mansfield have encouraged fans to be in the ground no later than 7.20pm, "to enable seamless entry in the ground in advance of our united tribute to Her Late Majesty."

The game kicks off at 7.45pm.