SUPERMARKETS, banks and businesses across East Lancashire will close their doors this Saturday as Diana, the Queen of Hearts, is laid to rest.

While mourners flock to Westminster Abbey to pay their respects to the woman who captured everyone's love and attention, local people will be saying their goodbyes with a two-minute silence, which will follow the end of the funeral service.

The silence is set to be observed nationwide - and probably worldwide - as the public try to come to terms with the loss of such a young, bright and beautiful princess.

The majority of trading throughout the area will be put on hold until Diana is taken to her final resting place - the family vault at Althorp. Nearly all of the schedule sporting fixtures and entertainment events have been postponed or cancelled.

In Blackburn, dignitaries led the town's tributes to the Princess of Wales. The Mayor of Blackburn, Councillor Peter Greenwood, was the first to sign a special remembrance book inside Blackburn Cathedral, followed by dozens of tearful mourners.

Coun Greenwood's message read: "Sincerity, simplicity and human kindness. To have such a vibrant young life cut so short is a tragedy. She is irreplaceable."

His wife, the Mayoress Dorothy Greenwood, added: "Goodbye and God bless."

They recalled the day Diana visited the town - to meet pupils and staff at Blackamoor, Broadlands and Dame Evelyn special schools back in 1983.

On Saturday, council and town centre bosses are giving traders the choice to shut as a sign of respect. High Street names including Tescos, Marks and Spencer and McDonald's won't open until 2pm. Although the markets will be open as usual, individual stallholders can close if they wish. Both Darwen and Blackburn Town Halls will be shut.

A memorial service for Diana will be held at Blackburn Cathedral at 9.30am.

In Darwen, the town hall's flagpole was swamped by floral tributes and this weekend's Darren Day festivities have been postponed until September 27.

A massive £1,000 Draw, organised by local traders, has be rearranged and will be held on September 13.

Local shops and services will have the opportunity to close up and watch the events at Westminster Abbey. Darwen MP Janet Anderson, who was in Paris at the time of the accident, said: "It is a most appalling and awful human tragedy.

"The response to it shows what high regard she was held in by the public and my heart goes out to her two sons who need all the support and love they can get."

A message of sympathy has been sent by council chiefs in Hyndburn on behalf of borough residents. And locals have already filled a book of condolence, kept in Accrington Town Hall, with their individual messages to Diana.

No official service will take place in the borough on Saturday but arrangements are under way for an event on Sunday, or the following week.

The Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Maurice Cowell, said: "The book of condolence has been very popular. We believe it is a very good way to express grief and sadness. We had one after the Dunblane tragedy and people found it very soothing."

Among the first mourners to arrive outside Buckingham Palace on Sunday were Blackburn couple Ron and Margaret Hayes, who were on holiday in London.

The couple were interviewed by the BBC. Margaret said: "It's such a shame she died in this way and it's a tragedy for her family.

"She was so beautiful and full of life. We came here today because it was the only right thing to do."

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