People living and working in Tenterden paid their respects to those killed in the Paris terror attacks this morning.

They joined in the national minute’s silence outside the town hall, where the town flag and the Union Jack were flown at half-mast. There was also a French flag in the hall window with a clock showing French time.

Canon Lindsay Hammond, the vicar of Tenterden, led a service at 10.50am prior to the 11am silence.

Around 80 people gathered outside the town hall with more standing outside shops on the other side of High Street.

The service was organised at the suggestion of town councillor Mike Carter.

He said: “It is to show solidarity with Paris and let the terrorists know they can’t get away with this.

“We are behind the people of Paris and support them.”

Cllr Carter said he was pleased with the turn-out, especially as the service was organised at short notice.

“It reflects the feelings of the country at the present time,” he added.

In his address, Canon Hammond said: “On Friday night, Paris became a city of death once again as terror struck for the second time this year, this time leaving 129 people dead and more than 300 injured, many of them critically.

“This morning, with feelings of great sadness and with those who have gathered across Europe, we observe a minute of silence to show our support for the people of France, to remember the injured and those who died and to pray for the defeat of the kind of evil that visited Paris.”

He also read a tribute put on Facebook to one of those killed.

Cllr Pam Smith, the Mayor of Tenterden, thanked those who attended.

She said: “Thank-you everyone for gathering here today to show solidarity and friendship to our neighbours across the channel, to some here with close friends and family in France and particularly Paris, and to people all over the world united in fighting this conflict.”

Cllr Smith is sending a message of condolence to Tenterden’s French twin town, Avallon.