Heads are bowed as the Queen Mother is mourned (From Gazette & Herald)

Heads are bowed as the Queen Mother is mourned

SEVERAL shops and stores in Ryedale's towns and villages closed during the Queen Mother's funeral on Tuesday while staff in others observed a two-minutes silence.

Many residents watched the ceremony on television while schools made television rooms available for pupils and students who wanted to see the event.

Traffic in Ryedale's towns was noticeable quiet during the late morning and early afternoon, said police.

Ryedale mourners paid tribute to the Queen Mother during a special service at St Michael's Church in Malton on Sunday.

About 100 people attended the service, including members of North Yorkshire County Council and Ryedale District Council.

"The town mayors from Malton and Norton were also there," said the Rev Nick Jones, who conducted the service.

"It was a good turn-out and a great privilege to take part in such an occasion."

Sir Marcus Worsley gave a tribute to the Queen Mother and members of the Malton and Norton branch of the Royal British Legion carried a standard.

Hymns sang during the service included I Vow To Thee My Country and Oh God Our Help In Ages Past.

The Duke of York is to attend a thanksgiving service for the life of the Queen Mother at York Minster on Thursday, April 18, at 3.15pm.

Updated: 09:45 Thursday, April 11, 2002