PRAYERS were said, the national anthem was sung and afternoon tea was toasted by County Durham residents marking the anniversary of the death of Princess Diana.

More than 50 people turned out to a service of remembrance at the home of staunch monarchist Anita Atkinson at Harperley Hall, Fir Tree, near Crook, on Thursday.

A barn was transformed into a shrine to the late Princess of Wales for the memorial, with a small table adorned with roses, an image of Diana and candle lit by host Mrs Atkinson.

Commemorating the tragic death of the young mother two decades ago, the service was led by Methodist Deacon Sue Peat, said: “Diana made a difference to people’s lives. Perhaps she made a difference to your life.

“She showed the most needy in society that they mattered. She reached out to the broken and hurting, the very least within society.

“Diana brought hope to those who had no hope. May we know that hope is in our lives today - hope to persevere, hope to keep going through struggles, and hope for life.

“Diana certainly lives on through the lives of her sons William and Harry, and her grandchildren George and Charlotte.”

She added: “Princess Diana was a person of deep compassion.

“We recall images - the affectionate cuddle of children in hospital, that touch to the young man dying of AIDS and those maimed be the evil of land mines.”

Deacon Peat prayed for Diana, Queen Elizabeth and all members of the royal family.

A poem written about the Princess by Crook resident Julie Bartlett was read by Cllr Anne Reed, who organised the ceremony, while Mrs Atkinson delivered a tribute. The congregation stood to sing Jerusalem, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace and closed the service with a rendition of the British National Anthem. Judith Said, of Crook, sparked the idea of the ceremony ahead of the anniversary when she approached Cllr Reed to establish if a memorial would be held in the area.

She said: “It’s such an important date. I can’t describe how wonderful she (Diana) was in everything.

“Today I feel quite happy because it’s been such a beautiful, joyous thing. It hasn’t been sad and miserable but has been about all the good things she did - it’s perfect.”

Recalling the events of August 31, 1997, she added: “I cried buckets - it was so emotional. I watched the funeral from home and went to the Town Hall in Bishop Auckland to sign a book of condolences. It’s something you don’t forget.”

Mrs Atkinson, who opened a museum of royal memorabilia at her farm in July, and who pulled together 500 items of Diana mementos for the event, said: “It was highly successful and nice to see all ages come including children who weren’t born 20 years ago, who must have been told about Diana by their grandparents.”