PEOPLE across East Lancashire will hold a three-minute silence tomorrow as a mark of respect for the thousands who died in the tsunami disaster.

Town hall flags will fly at half mast in the morning before the silence at noon.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has also opened a book of condolence at both town hall venues.

In Burnley, as well as taking part in the silence, council staff are being asked to contribute to a collection.

Ribble Valley Council today had no plans to mark the silence.

Hyndburn Council has asked its staff to observe the silence and will place flags at half mast at Accrington and Oswaldtwistle town halls

Tessa Jowell, the Government's culture secretary, said: "The silence is to commemorate the victims of the catastrophe and is in solidarity with the people of the affected countries.

"On the same day flags on Government buildings will be at half mast.

"We hope employers will do all they can to ensure employees are able to observe the silence."

The silence will be held simultaneously across Europe.