ALL over Worcestershire thousands of people fell silent yesterday to remember the estimated 150,000 who died in the tsunami disaster.

In common with millions across Europe, many people stopped in reflection for three minutes at midday.

Some stopped at work, others while they shopped or travelled, while some paid their respects at Worcester Cathedral.

The cross of St George flew at half-mast and the bells tolled before noon to call passers-by to mark the silence.

A book of condolence was opened and the Jesus Chapel set aside as a quiet area for those who wished to spend time in reflective thought.

The Archdeacon of Worcester, the Venerable Dr Joy Tetley, led prayers before the silence began to remember those killed and the millions more affected.

It was a disaster that touched those in distant lands and those much closer to home with John and Annie Hofton from Wichenford, near Worcester, among those missing and feared dead.

At the Tesco superstore in St Peter's, Worcester, customers needed no persuasion to join in the three-minute silence, said manager Andy Sanderson.

"There were about 300 customers in the store and the silence was perfectly adhered to," he said.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service firefighters and non-uniformed staff marked the silence outside Worcester fire station in Deansway .

"We made an announcement just before 12 and people stopped still where they were and movingly remembered this unfortunate tremendous loss of life.

"It was quite strange that in a normally noisy store there was complete silence."

Staff at Tesco continue to raise money for the Tsunami disaster appeal, with almost £3,000 collected already and more to come after staff pay for a non-uniform day today.