SHE was the People's Princess - and on Saturday the People will say their farewells.

Around 11.45am, Burnley and Pendle will fall silent as the boroughs mark the passing of Diana, Princess of Wales, a woman who brought happiness to people not only here in the twin boroughs but around the world.

As a mark of respect, all major stores will remain closed until after her funeral, and we are urging all our readers to spare a few moments in which to reflect on the life of this remarkable woman.

Ever since that terrible news came from Paris on Sunday morning, ordinary people have been paying tribute to a princess whose life was so far removed from their own - yet who they had fallen in love with over the past 17 years.

Many have signed one of the books of condolence at Town Halls and offices across our area, but on Saturday everyone will get their chance to pay tribute to the Queen of Hearts by observing one minute of silence at the end of her funeral service.

The growing piles of flowers at sites around the twin boroughs show the depth of feeling that local people had for the Princess, and her funeral in London is expected to draw even bigger crowds than those at her fairytale wedding in 1981.

Our town centres are likely to be almost deserted as people stay at home to follow the service at Westminster Abbey on television.

Burnley FC's clash with Chesterfield at Saltergate on Saturday has been postponed, along with most other sporting events. And players wore black armbands during Tuesday night's match against Oldham Athletic at Turf Moor.

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