Ties to mark the special bond between the United States and Britain are being designed and made in Keighley.

And Prime Minister Tony Blair, US President George W Bush and New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani have each accepted one.

Mr Blair has thanked the firm for his tie, which bears the slogan "United States, United Kingdom, United we Stand."

The neckties feature the crossed Stars and Stripes and Union Flag and each one sold will help raise funds for the Twin Towers Appeal.

They are produced by Keighley firm Ezra T Lee and have already raised more than £1,200 for the appeal.

Company chairman Tony Lee has strong links with New York.

"I used to work in New York and have two friends who worked in the World Trade Centre, but fortunately neither was working on September 11," he said.

He had been to the city just before the terrorist attack and will soon open an office in Manhattan's Seventh Avenue as a sales, stock holding and distribution centre.

Mr Lee said he was so moved by the attack he was spurred to create the special tie which was being produced at the firm's mill in Parkwood Street, Keighley.

The ties are on sale at £10.50p, with £7 going to the Twin Towers Appeal.

Anyone wishing to buy one should contact the company on 01535 219265