IN an unprecedented show of solidarity, the people of Burnley joined together to remember the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11, 2001.

Schoolchildren, clergy, Muslim clerics, firefighters and police officers gathered at the Peace Garden, in Parker Lane, yesterday to reflect on a day which has a new painful significance.

The Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev John Goddard, welcomed those attending before reading Psalm 23.

Bathed in glorious Autumn sunshine, there was then a minute's silence, a chance for thoughts to be gathered and private prayers to be said.

The bishop said: "This day, September 11, will be etched on our minds forever. We recall a year ago that barbarous act of terrorism that destroyed so many lives.

"A deliberate act of terrorism to maim, destroy and kill."

After a reading of the Beatitudes, a representative of the Lancashire Council of Mosques spoke of the need for communities to unite in their reflection.

Secretary of the Bangladesh Welfare Association in Burnley, Muhammad Sher Ali Miah, said: "It is a very important day for me because a lot of people were killed last year. I have come to remember the people of all faiths, Jewish, Muslim, Sheiks, Christians, who died that day."

After the readings, four torches were lit as a sign of eternal hope. After that roses were laid at the fountain as a mark of respect for the dead.

But it was perhaps the ordinary citizens of the town who made the service special. Brenda and Desmond Noon, of Cliviger, have made regular trips to the United States for years to holiday with friends.

This time last year the couple were stranded in Canada for three days as international flights were grounded.

Brenda, 63, said: "We spend most of our winters in Arizona, so we came to show our friends over there we are here for them.

"We have a lot of friends who have been affected by it."

In Nelson's Place de Creil, prayers were read in Urdu and English and the Rev Sally Thomas gave a reading. Those attending tied a white ribbon as a plea for peace.

Rossendale Borough Council flew the town Hall flag at half mast and held a minute's silence at 1.46pm.

September 11th news archive...