THE American-born Mayor of Darlington will attend a memorial service next month marking the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes will join the congregation at Holy Trinity Church, Woodland Road, on Sunday, September 12, to remember the thousands of victims, who died following targeted attacks on the twin towers of World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington DC.

The Rev James Harvey, priest-in-charge at Holy Trinity, said he was also hoping to track down relatives of Darlington couple Rachel Ward and James Winter, who shared an apartment near the towers which collapsed in an inferno of flames within hours of being hit.

READ MORE: Family relieved to make contact

READ MORE: Darlington couple watched towers collapse from flat 150m away

Before the era of mobile phones, their families back home had a long wait for a call learning they were safe.

At the time, the Northern Echo reported on their anxious wait and joy after learning they had survived.

The service on September 12 will include representatives of Darlington’s fire, police and ambulance services, who have been invited to commemorate the 340 rescue workers who perished in Manhattan while attempting to save lives.

Rev Harvey said: “As thousands were running away from the disaster, hundreds of emergency workers were heading towards it. On this anniversary we want to honour all emergency workers past and present who head towards danger.”

At the time of the atrocity, Cllr. Hughes, a former New York resident, had been living in Darlington for over a decade but remained in close contact with friends and colleagues in Manhattan where she had attended Columbia University.

Recounting the day, Cllr Hughes said: “Some were working in the vicinity of the World Trade Center. My best friend from childhood was meant to be lecturing at the Borough of Manhattan Community College that day, just near to the Twin Towers. The main hall of the college was heavily damaged from the collapse and she was uncontactable for a number of hours following the attack.

"It was horrible not knowing if she was okay or not. Thankfully, Lori was safe, but sadly, others were not so fortunate.”

Ms Ward and Mr Winter attended Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College whose students have been invited to produce artwork for the community-wide service.

Rev Harvey added: "We would love to connect with any family members of Rachel and James and include them in our memorial, so if you know of them, please do get in touch.”

“Everyone will be welcome as we pay our respects past and present to those who risk their lives.”

Children who attend Holy Trinity’s Messy Church sessions will also make items for the service, which starts at 9.30am.

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