ACROSS the road from High Row, stands Darlington's Market Cross.

Today, just as it had been in the days after the death of Princess Diana four years ago, it is decorated with floral tributes.

Darlington people, moved by the unthinkable events in America last week, had wanted to do something, anything, to show that they care. It is a desire felt in villages, towns, and cities across the country.

Attached to the flowers, sympathy cards express the thoughts of ordinary people. They live in a quiet, peaceful, English market town, thousands of miles from the disaster, yet feel so close to those who are suffering.

Shoppers, old and young, break off from their bargain-hunting to read the messages of condolence:

"To America, just so you know we care," reads one.

"Thinking of you all. God bless," reads another.

Many are signed by whole familes mother, father, and children, for the sense of family has been made stronger by the reports of loved ones lost, and of heartbreaking final goodbyes on mobile telephones.

There is one card dedicated "To all New York teenagers who lost their parents on Tuesday".

It is signed simply: "Love from two British teenagers".

Young people are our future, and for all the knocks their generation takes over the actions of a few, the vast majority of youngsters are responsible human beings who care for others.

And there, in our quiet, peaceful, English market town, lies the hope.