DROITWICH Spa residents joined the rest of the nation when they paid their final respects to the Queen Mother.

A hush fell over the town centre at 11.30am yesterday (Tuesday) when shoppers observed a two-minute silence in memory of the much-loved royal.

Many stores closed during the morning while the 101-year-old's funeral was held at Westminster Abbey.

Salters Shopping Centre was quiet as Spa residents tuned in to watch the historic funeral on TV. A group of town police officers paid their respects at the war memorial in Victoria Square, where a Union Jack flag fluttered at half mast.

The death of the Queen Mum has touched millions and last Saturday, Droitwich's Royal British Legion Women's Section organised a well-attended service at the war memorial.

The Queen Mother was the national chairman of the Legion's Women's Section and Droitwich branch chairman Hazel Gandy met her on several occasions.

The Scholars Walk resident said: "She was a wonderful women and so friendly and kind.

"I spoke to her at several conferences and even marched in her 100th birthday parade in London."

Last Wednesday, Droitwich mayor Maureen Lawley opened a book of condolence for the Queen Mother.

The book at St Richard's House, in St Andrew's Street, boasts 136 messages so far.

Droitwich Spa Town Council also hopes to plant an oak tree in the Lido Park, off Worcester Road in her memory.