DOZENS of people came to a standstill in Kendal this morning (Monday) as they joined the Europe-wide silence for the victims of the Paris terror attacks.

In the Westmorland Shopping Centre, whispers of opinions on Friday night's events in the French capital could be heard as people waited in anticipation of 11am. The music stopped and a tannoy announcement marked the beginning of the minute's silence.

A busy Monday stopped and citizens huddled around benches, showing their solidarity for the fallen in Paris. Customers stood still with their shopping bags to acknowledge the tragedy, and many of the older generation sat motionless with heads rested into their hands, a bow of respect.

At Kendal war memorial and clustered outside shops across the street, people could be seen checking their watches as 11am approached. Couples out shopping, a delivery driver and a mum with a little girl wearing Disney wellies in a buggy were among those who paused to pay their respects.

The silent tribute at the war memorial, still surrounded by rain-soaked poppy wreaths from Remembrance Sunday, lasted for several minutes as people reflected on the tragedy.

John Hamilton, visiting from Windermere with his wife Liz, told the Gazette: "I just think we are all at risk from these terrorists, and it's just to say that we are in sympathy with the people of Paris and France, and also to carry on life as normally as we can."

Church of Scotland minister Rev W. Gerald Jones happened to be holidaying locally, and said it was "a privilege" to be among those observing the silence.

"In light of the atrocities in France we have to show solidarity with our French neighbours and, through the silence, to reflect on the awful events of recent days and to find some way of healing the people of Paris and France," he said.

Describing the mood in Kendal town centre as "very reflective", the Rev Jones added: "You could almost feel an atmosphere of unity with France, even if we can't see the people and actually be there. There was inwardly some sense of solidarity which was very much evident in the atmosphere round the memorial and in the streets."

Rail campaigner Malcolm Conway also observed the silence and described the events in Paris as "unbelievable".

He said he was concerned for The Queen's safety during her planned visit to Birmingham on Thursday (November 19) when she is to attend a dedication service for a war memorial outside Birmingham New Street Station.