Thousands of towns and cities across the UK came to a standstill on Tuesday as a mark of respect for the Queen Mother's funeral.

Millions of people observed the two minutes' silence when the ceremony began at 1130 BST.

Trading floors fell silent

Many shops either closed completely or opened late as a mark of respect.

Announcements were made in train and bus stations to allow passengers to mark the start of the service.

In the City, the Stock Exchange and many trading floors paused for reflection.

Children's tributes

Many schools across the UK held special assemblies so pupils and staff could pay their respects to the Queen Mother.

Shops which closed for all or part of the day included supermarket chains Asda, Tesco, Safeway and Sainsbury's as well as John Lewis and Debenhams.

Other stores observed the two-minute silence including Harrods, Dixons and Selfridges.

The crew of HMS Sheffield stood in silence

English Heritage properties closed until 1400 BST while the National Trust, whose president was the Queen Mother, closed its houses, shops and restaurants for the day.

Crown and county courts in England and Wales are not sitting, but stayed open for other business and emergency matters.

In Manchester a maroon was fired from the town hall to mark the start of the two-minute silence during which planes were grounded.

In Nottingham, Derby and Leicester city centres public transport came to a halt with many drivers and passengers getting out of vehicles to stand with heads bowed.

In Cardiff, shoppers watched the funeral on a big screen while a short service was held outside the county council's headquarters in Cardiff Bay.

In Bradford, a civic service was held at the city's cathedral.

Red lights

And in Aberdeen, vehicles came to a standstill as traffic lights were turned to red for two minutes.

A special service was being held at St John's Scottish Episcopal Church in Forfar, where the Queen Mother was confirmed 86 years ago.

The occasion was also being marked at Glamis Castle in Angus, where she spent much of her childhood, and Balmoral Castle.

Britons across the globe paid tribute to the Queen Mother - even at the North Pole.

Anne Daniels, Caroline Hamilton and Pom Oliver, who are attempting to set a polar trekking record, observed the two minutes' silence in temperatures as low as -70 C (-94F).