FLAGS flew at half mast in West Devon this week, following the death of Princess Margaret last Saturday.

Prebendary John Rawlings, the vicar of Tavistock, said the flag at St Eustachius was lowered on Sunday as a mark of respect to the Princess.

'We will be remembering her every day in our services this week — and the rest of the royal family, particularly the Queen Mother.

'Whoever you are, it's always dreadful to lose a child.'

West Devon Borough Council spokesperson Alison Stoneham said the authority has not opened a book of condolence, but is advising people to go to the libraries in Tavistock and Okehampton, where they can pay their respects via the internet.

Councillors held a one-minute silence during the extraordinary meeting of the council in Okehampton on Tuesday and the flag at the council offices will be flying at half-mast tomorrow (Friday), the day of the Princess's funeral.

Cllr Robin Pike, mayor of West Devon, said: 'West Devon is saddened to hear of the death of Princess Margaret. She was known by a large number of people in the South West and is remembered with fondness.'

John Winchester, town clerk at Okehampton, said he would be sending a letter to the Royal Family on behalf of the mayor, councillors and people of the town, expressing their 'deepest sympathy' at the death of the Princess.

Roger Howard, Tavistock's town clerk, said the council had observed court protocol and lowered the flag on the town hall — he had not been asked by members to send a letter of sympathy.

Members of the public who wish to send their condolences to the Royal Family may also use public libraries in the borough.

Computers at libraries in Okehampton and Tavistock can be used to send messages to Kensington Palace's official on-line book of condolence, which can be found at http://www.royal.gov.uk">www.royal.gov.uk

In East Cornwall, Callington town portreeve Jane Black said she was 'very saddened' at the news of Princess Margaret's death.

'Our hearts go out to the family and in particular to the Queen Mother,' she said.

Princess Margaret visited the county when she accompanied King George VI and the present Queen Mother to the Royal Cornwall Show at Kelly Bray in 1950. At that time the show was held at different locations each year.

Wesley Wilton from Harrowbarrow was secretary of the Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs in 1950 and was among those presented to the Princess at the show.

The king was escorted around the machinery competition put on by male members of the YFC, while the then queen and the Princess visited the static display organised by female members.

Mr Wilton said the display was on housewifery, prepared as if entertaining royalty to tea, with exhibits including handicrafts and pictures.

'It was an exciting day and I was impressed with the sincerity and the interest the Princess showed.

'Her intelligent questions showed she had an interest and understanding of rural life — even though she was only 20 at the time,' he said.