THE streets of York fell silent today as the City honoured the loss of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

Cars ground to a halt, pedestrians paused and town crier John Redpath walked the city centre warning passers-by that a two-minute silence was looming as a mark of respect for the Queen Mother's passing.

An already-quiet York Station was completely noiseless during the official tribute as the Queen Mother's coffin entered Westminster Abbey at precisely 11.30am.

All trains were halted and passengers paused for the solemn act of remembrance.

Mike Staff, station manager, said: "GNER wanted to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. We were glad to offer our staff the opportunity to do the same."

Passenger Gordon Pickles, 67, from Bradford, said afterwards: "During the war she was an inspiration to us all. I take people at face value and to me she seemed very dignified and normal."

In the city centre, residents and shoppers said they wanted to honour the Queen Mother's memory.

Barry Laycock, 64, said: "She hasn't been a drain on the country like some of the Royals, what she has had she put back.

"When I was on holiday in Wick she had just left two days before, something I will always remember. The children there had been introduced to her, even though she was on holiday."

Coney Street-based musician, Alan S Pickering, said he had put down his saxophone during the tribute.

"She was sort of a connection between the Royals and the people".

Acomb pensioner Elsie Lock also remembered the war years.

"She and the King went out among those that were bombed. It really helped them and everyone else through it all. I don't think we'll ever see the likes of her again," said 67-year-old Elsie. At York Minster, groups of schoolchildren and scores of foreign tourists bowed their heads as the bells signalled the start of the two-minute silence. Many cyclists also dismounted to pay their respects.

- A spokesman for City of York Council today confirmed that the council's book of condolence for the Queen Mother, at the Guildhall, would remain open until 5pm on Friday.

Updated: 13:32 Tuesday, April 09, 2002