A TOWN fell silent as a mark of respect to those whose lives were ripped apart by tragic events in America.

In the aftermath of terrorist attacks that left more than 5,000 people dead or missing, Bury observed a moving three-minute silence at 11am on Friday morning (Sept 14).

Business came to a halt in stores and supermarkets as shoppers paid their respects.

Mill Gate centre manager Colin Nichol said: "Every single person and all the shops took part. It was something people didn't need to be reminded about.

"All the shops around the centre also took part, possibly every shop in Bury."

The mood was sombre at Bury Town Hall and other council buildings, where books of condolence have been open, and flags are flying at half mast.

Bury Council chief executive Dennis Taylor, who was attending a conference at Prestwich's Longfield Centre, said: "The silence was impeccably observed there, and I understand that the same happened at all other public buildings.

"People in Bury are coming in a steady stream to pay their respects by signing our book of condolence, which will remain open for the foreseeable future."

Mr Taylor, who has been in regular contact with colleagues in Woodbury, Bury's twin town in the United States, added: "I have been keeping in touch and, as far as we are aware, no residents of Woodbury appear to be among those missing."

At Elton High School, pupils paid their own hushed respects. Headteacher Neil Scruton said: "It was observed extremely respectfully and in a very sensitive way by the pupils.

"Many of them have been to America so I think they have some empathy with the scale of it all."

Two special assemblies were held at Bury CE High School, ahead of the silence. Headteacher Phil Grady said: "People just stopped whatever they were doing, wherever they were. You could have heard a pin drop."

And at Derby High School a bell was rung, bringing normal school activities to a halt.

Mr Gerry Wilson, headmaster at the school, told the Bury Times: "There were many expressions of sympathy and sorrow for the American people following the dreadful events."

As well as a three-minute silence, pupils at Broad Oak High School paused in remembrance at their Monday morning assembly.

The book of condolence is open at Bury Town Hall, with other copies available to sign at Bury Museum, Bury Central Library, libraries in Prestwich, Radcliffe, Tottington, Ramsbottom, Unsworth and Whitefield and council offices at the Longfield Centre in Prestwich and Whittaker Street, Radcliffe.