Nearly two thirds of the public have backed the BBC's coverage of the death of the Queen Mother.

According to a MORI poll published on Thursday, 64 per cent of people believed the BBC's approach was "about right".

Three in four of those polled said they watched BBC 1's coverage of the Queen Mother's death. This contrasts with 56 per cent who said they watched coverage of the event on ITV.

Peter Sissons, the BBC anchorman, came under fire following the announcement of the death.

Critics suggested he was ill prepared and was disrespectful by failing to wear a black tie during the live broadcast.

The BBC later defended the presenter, saying that he was simply following guidance given by corporation chiefs.

Only 11 per cent of those surveyed said the BBC's coverage was "not respectful enough" - with just eight per cent classifying it as "too respectful".

BBC sources say the survey is evidence that its coverage reflected the mood of the nation.

The poll also discovered that the vast majority of people heard the news of the Queen Mother's almost immediately.

According to data released last night, 10 million people tuned in to watch the live coverage of the Queen Mother's funeral.

The BBC's acting director general, Mark Byford, welcomed the data.

"We should feel very proud of our coverage in providing programmes of real quality, depth and distinction," he said. "It was a very big team effort. Our professionalism, skill and outstanding creativity shone through in capturing the events so magnificently for audiences across the country and the world.