FIREFIGHTERS from the Vale, Cotswolds and Stratford are getting ready to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001.

Next Wednesday will mark the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, when more than 3,000 people were killed after the Twin Towers were destroyed by hijacked aeroplanes.

Included in the death toll of the attacks and consequent collapse of the buildings were 343 firefighters from the New York Fire Department and now their English counterparts are paying their respects.

In Evesham, firefighters at the Merstow Green station will be unveiling a plaque on Wednesday, September 11, to remember those who died.

The plaque features a piece of glass from Ground Zero, which was given to them by a New York Fire Department photographer, Gary Suson.

Mr Suson visited individual Hereford and Worcester Brigade as a guest of Chief Fire Officer David O'Dwyer, after rising £162,000 for victims' families.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade spokesman Alec Mackie said: "On September 8 at 3.30pm, all full time watches will be marking a minute's silence with flags flown at half mast. This will be the Fire Brigade's national minute's silence and the public are welcome to come along. Retained stations are invited to observe a minute's silence on a drill night."

In Moreton, the Fire Service College is preparing to open The Twin Towers Room, a dining and conference room, on Monday.

The room was recently converted and will feature a painting by Yorkshire artist Joanne Shaw, entitled Raising Freedom, which shows the firefighters raising the Stars and Stripes over Ground Zero. Members of Gloucestershire Fire Brigade will be holding a fund-raising evening on September 11, entitled '999 Night', at Gloucester Fire Station.

The event, which will feature live music and a disco, has been organised by local firefighters, police and ambulance officers. Proceeds will go to the families of the September 11 victims.

Numerous churches across the Vale, Cotswold and Stratford will also be holding memorial services. Pershore Abbey will be open all day for private prayer and lighting of remembrance candles and Holy Trinity Church in Stratford will have a service of prayers at 12noon on September 11.

An open invitation has also gone out from The Church of All Saints, Evesham. At 12 noon, as part of its daily midday prayer, prayers will be said for all who lost their lives in the terrorist attack.