Ilkley is preparing to join the world in remembering the thousands of victims of the September 11 tragedy.

Churches across the town have teamed up to agree on special opening hours for the anniversary of the terrorist attack itself, which claimed thousands of lives.

Businesses, societies and firefighters in the area, meanwhile, will hold a minute's silence as a mark of respect for all those who died in the atrocity and their relatives.

Six churches - All Saints', Ilkley Baptist, Christchu-rch, St Margaret's, St John's and Ben Rhydding Methodist, will be open from 1.45pm to 4pm on Wednesday, September 11.

In a joint statement, they said: "As the first anniversary of September 11 draws near many people in America and in our own country, both within churches and within the wider communities, will again call to mind both the horror and the heroism of that day.

"Many British people were also killed and lost family and friends. As images of life and death and suffering and deliverance are starkly replayed in the media; as we engage in corporate acts of remembrance, as we recall where we were and what we were doing at the precise moment we learned of the events unfolding in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, we will again confront the deepest meanings of life and death.

"The church leaders in Ilkley have agreed that these churches will be open on September 11 for quiet prayer and reflection as we seek healing for ourselves."

The Rev Bill Frame, minister of Christchurch, added: "We felt as ministers in the town that we should do something.

"There are people in Ilkley who have friends and loved ones in America and we want to make sure the churches will be open for anyone who feels the need to come in and think for a few minutes."

Next Sunday, September 8, will see fire rescue workers across the globe joining together for the International Firefighters' Day of Remembrance.

The event will remember all those who have lost their lives in the service - including the New York firefighters who died saving people from the Twin Towers after they had been hit by hijacked aeroplanes.

In the UK the main service will be held in London, but Ilkley fire station officer Alex Watson said his team would be there in spirit.

"We will have them on our minds on the Sunday and on September 11 itself we will also be holding a minute's silence."

Ilkley Parish Council will pay its tribute to the victims of the attack when it meets up for the first time after the summer recess on Monday.

Chairman councillor Mike Gibbons said: "We plan to hold a minute's silence at the full council meeting on Monday as a mark of respect for all those who lost their lives, and their friends and families.

"It will also be to recognise what must be seen as one of the most tragic days in recent history, particularly as this atrocity was perpetrated during peace time."

Among the local stores Tesco has confirmed that it is planning to ask shoppers and staff for silence on the afternoon of September 11.

Booths store in Leeds Road is also expected to mark the anniversary with a silent tribute to the victims and their families.