KENT will come to a standstill tomorrow as thousands pay their last respects to the Queen Mother. Supermarkets and council offices throughout the county area will honour a two-minute silence as the funeral gets under way at Westminster Abbey at 11.30am.

Major stores including branches of Tesco, Safeway, Iceland, Kwiksave, Somerfield and Marks and Spencer have announced they will be closing their doors from 10.30 am to 1pm so staff can watch the service on television.

Mark Rothery, manager of Chatham's Pentagon Centre, said it was important that shoppers and traders alike had the chance to observe the silence. He said: "It is particularly appropriate because of Chatham's strong links with the Royal dockyard and military connections."

Julian Buckmore, duty manager at Savacentre at Hempstead Valley at Gillingham, said: "We have 750 staff and most of them wanted to watch it on television here at the store. The feedback has been good."

Safeways made similar arrangements for Princess Diana's funeral four years ago. Deputy manager Keith Stockbridge said: "It is an unusual gesture, but one which is appreciated by staff who will have the chance to watch at our stores or go home and watch it."

Boots stores will be closing over the same period but will maintain its pharmacy service and all appointments for services.

Medway's Mayor Cllr Tony Goulden was not surprised at the overwhelming response from the people of Kent. Speaking on his way to London with the mayoress, Val Goulden, to pay his respects, he said: "Medway has got strong links with the Queen Mother as an ex- naval town. We have many ex-servicemen, who literally idolised her.

"For everybody in Medway the Queen Mother has been with us for the whole of our lives - and now it has dawned on us that she is no longer there."

Soldiers will also honour the silence and have been given leave to go up to London for the funeral.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Shepway council has written to the Queen's private secretary expressing his sympathy on the death of the Queen Mother. The letter has been sent to Buckingham Palace on behalf of the chairman, Cllr Fred Wood-Brignall, his fellow councillors and the people of Shepway.

In the letter Cllr Wood-Brignall said: "Some years ago I had the privilege of meeting her, during my period of office as a Cinque Port mayor. Her Majesty The Queen Mother had a wonderful ability of relating to anyone, whatever their standing in society.

"This exceptional gift, together with the warmth of her personality, has long endeared her to the hearts of the British people and also to those of many other nations around the world.

"The memory of her outstanding character, her devoted service and loyalty, will endure for a very long time."