AS tributes were paid in the French capital to those who died in the Paris atrocities, people in Wimborne stood in silence as a mark of respect.

Around 30-40 people gathered at a corner of The Square at noon on Sunday to remember and respect the victims of terrorism, some holding pens and pencils aloft in tribute to the staff of the Charlie Ebdo magazine.

Sarah Bamber, who organised the silent remembrance, said she was pleased with the turnout, having only thought of the idea the day before. It was announced at church services including St Stephen’s at Kingston Lacy, which she attends.

“It is not just for the people who died this week but also for our forebears who also died for the same reasons,” she said.

“It will maybe show people that there’s a lot of people from different backgrounds who quietly condemn the acts of extremism.”

Among those present was Anthony Oliver, church warden of Wimborne Minster. He said: “It is right and proper we should be here to show solidarity to those attacked.”

A police officer stopped traffic from entering the town centre square and workmen cleaning the paving downed tools as a mark of respect as the minster bell marked the hour.

Also taking part were a number of Quakers, whose worship takes place in silence. Richard Bush from the newly formed Wimborne Quakers said it was appropriate that they should be there. “We would be wanting to hold in the light all the victims,” he said.