MILLIONS of people across the UK and Europe observed a three-minute silence at noon on Wednesday in remembrance of those people killed in the Asian tsunami disaster.

More than 100 people gathered in Durham Cathedral where The Dean of Durham, the Right Rev Michael Sadgrove, led the prayers and the silence.

He said: "We have all been shocked at the devastation wrought by the tsunamis across the Indian Ocean. It is hard to comprehend loss of life on such a scale, the terrible extent of injury, bereavement, with so many still unaccounted for, and the catastrophic damage to the property and livelihood of some of the poorest peoples on earth.

"If there is a crumb of comfort in this disaster, it is both the courage of individuals caught up in it, and also the generosity of people, aid agencies and nations across the world in pledging financial support.

"In our helplessness, to give is to do something rather than nothing. But we must also stand in solidarity with all the victims of this tragedy, remember them, express our common humanity. In a sense, when we have done what we can, all that is left to us is to be silent in the face of the pain and suffering of our fellow human beings."

Many shops in Durham City ceased trading during the three-minute silence.

People also gathered at the cathedral to say prayers on New Year's Eve.

A special candle was lit at the annual Durham Churches Together New Year's Eve service.

Placed at the crossing, at the forefront of the congregation, the candle, surrounded by the cathedral's Yuletide crib figures, will burn throughout all services over the coming days - as the full horror of the aftermath of Boxing Day's earthquake in the Indian Ocean unfolds.

The Archdeacon of Durham, Canon Stephen Conway, composed a prayer which he read during the inter-denominational service.

He told the congregation: "The candle burns beside the Christmas crib as a sign of the light of God's love in the midst of this unimaginable suffering.

"We ask everyone to pray at the crib for those who lost their lives, their livelihoods and loved ones in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand.

"We remember all the British and other holidaymakers and all those who are still missing."

Canon Conway said it was agreed the collection taken at the service, and at forthcoming services, should be donated to the disaster relief fund.

He said: "We are praying particularly for all those who are still missing, and about whom people are very worried."