THE sadness of a nation was reflected in Gwent yesterday, as people broke from their daily routine to remember the Queen Mother.

Shops closed for business and in high streets across the region shoppers paused as the country paid its final respects.

Some of the major supermarkets closed their branches for the morning, others shut up shop during the funeral hours, while many other stores observed a minute's silence. And in Newport's John Frost Square - where the Nick of Time clock's chimes were stilled between 11am and 1pm - passers by also stopped for the minute's silence. The nation's mourning was echoed in books of condolence set up in Gwent, so people could pen their thoughts.

The book at Newport Civic Centre has been signed by council leader Sir Harry Jones, Gwent Coroner David Bowen and Gwent Hospital's Contributory Fund, among many others.

Sir Harry wrote in Newport's book of condolence: "A lady who served her nation from beginning to end."

And John Griffiths, of Newport NUT, wrote: "A truly loved and greatly admired lady. You served your country with dignity and wisdom. Thank you ma'am, you will be sadly missed. God Bless."

Other contributions included: "God bless you ma'am you were a gracious and devoted servant to your country. Reunited at last with King George V1. Sincere condolences to the Queen and her family." And one person had simply written: "Thank you for being so wonderfully royal."

Books were also opened at local authority offices across Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Monmouth shire last Wednesday.

*PICTURED: Jane Dunstan signs the book of condolence at Newport Civic Centre.