EMPTY streets, shuttered shops and eerie silence interrupted only by a trickle of traffic and tolling bells signalled sad Saturday.

Locals shared in the nation's sorrow paying their silent respects on the day of the funeral of our most popular Princess - Diana, Princess of Wales.

But as most people remained indoors watching the televised funeral service life did carry on.

Leigh Town Hall remained open for last-minute written tributes in the book of condolence. The books will remain open for some time yet.

At the Register Office three weddings took place at half-hourly intervals from 10.30am. Other weddings took place in Atherton and Golborne in the afternoon.

In Leigh Parish Church only 20 people attended a service led by Canon Alan Gawith.

But Canon Gawith later admitted the decision to hold the service on the morning of the funeral had perhaps been misjudged.

"I think we timed it badly. We hadn't realised the shops were going to be shut.

"We made more of it on Sunday and we have had a few people ring up with messages. Some people left flowers and a poem."

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