PEOPLE across South Lakeland and Furness marked the funeral of the Queen Mother yesterday.

At 11.30am, staff at many organisations, including South Lakeland District Council, observed two minutes silence, as the memorial service began 250 miles away in Westminster Abbey.

All National Trust properties were closed for the day in memory of the Queen Mum, who was the Trust's patron for 49 years.

Many shops and supermarkets closed temporarily.

Also, sittings at magistrates' courts in Kendal, Penrith and Barrow were cancelled.

Meanwhile, many schools, following Government advice, arranged for pupils to watch the funeral.

At Cartmel Priory CE School, head teacher Clive Peaple drafted in workmen to install TV aerials.

Over 600 people have so far signed Kendal Town Hall's book of condolence; some 300 people had paid tributes in the book at the Coronation Hall, Ulverston.