PRINCETOWN fell quiet and still last Friday as the village joined the Europe-wide three-minute tribute to remember those involved in the American terrorist attacks last week.

Residents and visitors, young and old, all took time to think on the horror.

In Tavistock, motorists pulled over to the sides of roads or stopped where they were and pedestrians stood silently facing St Eustachius Church tower as a muffled bell signalled the hour.

Preb John Rawlings, who had rung the bell, said he thought there might be 'some' people in the church, but by 11 o'clock there were around 130 sitting in silence.

'We stood together for three minutes then said some prayers and the organist played the Star Spangled Banner. It was lovely so many people turn up,' he said.

Those at the church said they would like to sign a condolences book, which Mr Rawlings accordingly obtained. There is also a book of remembrance at Tavistock Methodist Church which is available for signing today (Thursday) and tomorrow from 10am to noon, and one at Tavistock Library.

Tavistock mayor Norma Woodcock said she was in the square at the time of the silence and the whole town had come to a standstill.

She said: 'I spoke to many people afterwards who were obviously very distressed and concerned, as we all are, at events.

'It was a very moving silence and I think it's remarkable that people remembered — in the middle of their working lives — to stop. It shows people really were remembering.'

Shops and businesses throughout the town observed the silence. A spokesperson for Plymco said the store had shut its doors. The feeling was 'very subdued — sadness'. Most of the customers had made their way to the war memorial just before 11am.

The normally busy Tavistock College was silent and still in a moving tribute to all those who died.

College spokesman Graham Stoate said the 11am start coincided with the morning break and it was 'quite an affecting experience to see nearly 2,000 pupils standing absolutely still as silence descended'.

College principal John Simes had asked students and staff to remember the victims of the attacks in New York and Washington and all in the world who suffer injustice, poverty and oppression.

At Kelly College all the staff and pupils gathered around the flagstaff while lower sixth former Christopher Anderson played the Last Post on his trumpet.

A college spokesman said: 'It was very simple and very moving.'

In Bere Alston the three-minute silence was observed at the flagpole. Vice-chairman of Bere Ferrers Parish Council, Phil Archer, led the silence and afterwards said how pleased he was to see so many villagers present. Several members of the public brought flowers which they placed around the war memorial.

A statement on behalf of Devon's major local government authorities, faith communities, emergency and health services was sent to the United States ambassador as an expression of solidarity and sadness on behalf of communities and people throughout Devon.

The statement describes the special bond felt as the founding fathers of America set sail from our shores, and says 'thoughts and prayers are with the people of New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania, and with all nationalities and religions who have tragically lost their lives at the hands of terrorists'.

The statement ends with a call to 'people of all races and religion who share the values of democracy and tolerance to remain united against extremism in all its forms'.

West Devon Borough Council's website http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk now provides a link to the American Embassy in London where messages of support can be e-mailed.

Tavistock Town Council held a two-minute silence at its last meeting and has written — as a town — to the American Embassy expressing sympathy.

West Devon mayor Robin Pike has also sent condolences to the American ambassador on behalf of the people of the borough.

At St Eustachius Church's normal Sunday service, which was geared to remembering those affected by the tragedy, prayers were led by Paula Rennie, who was a transatlantic air stewardess and had spent a lot of time in New York and Washington.