CELEBRATIONS to mark Ulverston's charter day on September 11, 1280, paused for one minute to mark the New York tragedy of the same date.

The traditional charter flag flew at half-mast all day on Wednesday and many townsfolk observed a minute's silence at 1.46pm - the GMT time when the first plane hit the World Trade Center.

A respectful hush was observed at an antique valuation in The Coronation Hall - just one of the many events being held as part of the town's two-week Charter Festival.

Organiser David Haley said events had been very successful including new fixtures like the South Cumbria Music Festival and old favourites like the Ford Park sports day.

"It was real community stuff," said Mr Haley of Sunday's Ford Park sports.

"There was a lovely atmosphere down there."

So far, hundreds of people have taken part in the festivities which began on Saturday with the crowning of the Charter princess.

The festival celebrates the date when wealthy landowner Roger of Lancaster was given a charter from Edward I to hold a weekly market and annual fair at Ulverston.

Highlights of next week's events include town band concerts, the popular annual supper dance and a new Flamenco night on Thursday featuring Spanish dance legends from across the North West.

There is also the annual opportunity to bring out the ball gown or dinner jacket and attend the glamorous Mayor's Charity Ball on Friday.

Everything reaches a crescendo next Saturday night (September 21) with the world-famous Ulverston Lantern Festival.