CHURCHES across East Lancashire said prayers for the tragic princess yesterday.

Many congregations wept as tributes were paid to the Royal and prayers were said for her sons and "the country."

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, described Diana as a "wonderful but tragic" figure shortly before conducting a service at Colne Parish Church.

He said: "I was totally stunned by the news and it's still very hard to believe.

"There was always a sense of tragedy in her life but she always coped and had a wonderful, uplifting sense about her.

"She was a wonderful but tragic figure who made enormous contributions, not only to the Royal family but to the country as whole.

"Much happened in her short life but I think people should remember her most for being a caring mother. We as a church will remember her in prayers and thanksgiving.

"Our thoughts are with her family and in particular the two princes and the family of Mr Al Fayed.

"The country has lost a beautiful young woman and she will never be forgotten."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.