A YOUNG woman from Sri Lanka was among those who observed a three-minute silence in memory of the tsunami victims.

Nilukshi Dharshika, who comes from Colombo, is on tenterhooks as some of her friends are still missing.

But she is also relieved to know her family are all safe and well. She said: "I texted my sister Hiroshi on Boxing Day and she said everyone was okay. It was a big relief as I was really worried about them."

The 26-year-old is currently looking for work in this country and is staying with friends in Enfield Road, Huncoat.

Nilukshi added: "I want to send my family some money as everything is really expensive over there now.

"My parents don't get a pension like over here. I need to help them more than ever now."

Accrington town centre ground to a halt on Wednesday as councillors, police and scores of midday shoppers paused for thought. The union flag was also flown at half mast outside Accrington Town Hall. Council leader Peter Britcliffe was pleased to see so many people taking part.

He said: "It was very dignified and it was nice to see so many people joining in. It was just our way of remembering the victims of this awful tragedy."

Saying he had not yet ruled out opening a book of condolence, he added: "We would seriously consider doing that, but it's hard to know where to send it, as this has affected so many different countries. What is very obvious is that everyone is united in sorrow at the moment."