FLAGS were flying at half mast throughout Preston and South Ribble this week as organisations paid tribute to Diana Princess of Wales.

At Deepdale, home of Preston North End, and at Fulwood Barracks, lowered flags could be seen solemnly fluttering in the wind.

Also, at Preston and South Ribble councils tribute books were made available so anyone going to the town halls could write their condolences. In Preston, queues stretched along the length of the town hall and another book was brought in to cut waiting times.

Prestonians will also be able to pay their respects to Diana at a special memorial service on Sunday (September 7).

It will begin at 6.30pm in the Parish Church of St John in Church Street after a procession from the town hall led by Preston's Mayor Councillor Dick Evans.

Preston's Public Relations Officer Lee Le Clercq said: "The council and the church are providing this opportunity to enable local people to worship at this time of sorrow."

And army spokesman Paul Smith summed up most people's feelings when he said: "Her quality of compassion, humanity and courage shone like a beacon for all those whose hearts she touched in her all too short life.

"Our hearts now go out to her family and the families of the other people who died in this tragic accident."

Among other tributes supporters proudly observed a minute silence before Preston North End's league clash against Grimsby on Tuesday (Sept 2). And the full league programme has been cancelled on Saturday (Sept 6) - the day of Diana's funeral - with PNE's ticket office also remaining closed.

In South Ribble leisure centres will keep their doors shut for the day as well as the Museum and Exhibition Centre in Leyland.Preston Council has announced the Harris Museum, tourist information centre and Guild Hall Box Office will not open until 1pm on Saturday. Both West View and Fulwood Leisure Centres will remain open as usual to stage regional squash and gymnastics competitions. Preston College postponed their enrolment day, also on Saturday, for a week as a mark of respect.

Many shops and stores throughout both boroughs will remain closed until 2pm as a mark of respect, including the Fishergate Centre which will keep its car park open for visitors arriving for church services. The Centre will be open from 11am to 6pm on Sunday.

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