PEOPLE can go online to sign a book condolence for the American tragedy.
Durham County Council has devoted space on its website for people to leave Internet messages.
A council spokesman said: "We have already opened a book of condolence that people can sign at County Hall.
"But we wanted to do something to allow people who cannot get there to express their thoughts and feelings.
"It also has links to information sites about the tragedy such as the Foreign and Commonwealth office.''
The Internet book can be accessed through the home page of the site www.durham.gov.uk
The book at County Hall can be signed Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 8pm, and from 8.30am to noon on Saturday.
* Durham City Council has opened its own book of condolence in the Town Hall, Market Place.
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