FIREFIGHTERS led the way when townsfolk stopped to remember the victims of last year's terrorist attacks.

Last Wednesday was the first anniversary of the September 11 atrocities in America and the town joined communities across the globe in remembrance.

A sombre mood fell across Bromsgrove at 1.46pm when residents took a minute to reflect on the deaths of more than three thousand people killed when terrorists hijacked planes and flew them into New York's World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in Washington.

Bromsgrove firefighters organised a parade on Wednesday to remember the New York firefighters, their "brothers", who were killed in their hundreds while trying to rescue trapped office workers in the doomed twinned towers.

The Union flag at their Windsor Street station was raised and lowered to half mast as a mark of respect.

Leading firefighter Tony Eden said: "There is a strong feeling of brotherhood among firefighters all over the world and I think this was the right way to remember the brave people who forfeited their lives to save others."

Some shoppers in the High Street paused to remember the anniversary and a hush fell at the Market Hall, St John's Street.

Many shopkeepers posted signs in their windows telling customers the silence would be observed to coincide with the time the first tower at the World Trade Centre was hit.

Bromsgrove District Council invited its staff to take part in the moment of reflection and the Union flag was flown at half mast.