FARNHAM paid its respects to the Queen Mother on Tuesday, with the majority of shops closing throughout her funeral, or choosing to observe a two-minute silence.

The usually busy streets in the town centre were almost deserted as people watched the funeral on television.

Major chains including Woolworths, WH Smith, Sainsbury's, Boots, Dorothy Perkins, Next and Safeways were all closed from 10.30 am to 1 pm.

Many small shops also paid their respects, including Farnham Saddlers, Help The Aged, Mulberry Silks, Rowlands Classic Clothing, BodaNova (gifts and cutlery), Disking (computers),Contessa, Orvis and Feelance Fabric.

Shops and businesses including Clinton Cards, The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Curry's, The Lion and Lamb bistro, Nationwide and Going Places chose to observe a two-minute silence at 11.30 am - the start of the funeral.

In The Herald office, proprietor Sir Ray Tindle paid tribute to the work of the Queen Mother before inviting staff to particiapte in a two-minute silence.

There were special touches from some of the stores. Pullingers Stationers which remained closed until 2 pm displayed a framed portrait of the Queen Mother in the front window, as did Elphicks, which closed between 11 am -1 pm. , Two Union flags on the building had flown at half mast since the Queen Mother's death.

Farnham Town Council carried out its own tribute, observing a two-minute silence in the council chamber, led by town mayor Victor Duckett. Staff were able to watch the funeral on television.

The Queen Mother was popular with young and old alike, and, fittingly, Farnham's schools paid tribute.

At All Hallows the two- minute silence was observed and teachers read prayers to their respective classes.

At All Saints School,Tilford, a special assembly was held on what it is like to lose a grandmother, and at The Bourne School, pupils gathered in the hall to watch the funeral on television and observe the two-minute silence.

Staff at South Farnham School held an exhibition on the Queen Mother's life and a giant screen projected the funeral service to pupils in the hall, who joined in with the two-minute silence.

Pupils at Badshot Lea Infants gathered in their Millennium garden where the chair of governors, Mike Probert, raised the Union flag.

Headteacher Jan Weir said: "It's very quiet and peaceful in the garden. We had a photograph of the Queen Mother for the children to focus upon and then had a few moments of