Too many people's livelihoods depend on us returning

Robert De Niro

The double-Oscar winner took out friends and a handful of emergency workers involved in the rescue attempts of 11 September.

A reception was held at his TriBakery restaurant before open-top buses took his guests to nearby restaurants.

Among invited guests was firefighter Tony Costance, who had come straight from the funeral of one of his colleagues who died as the World Trade Center collapsed.

He said: "I came tonight because, despite all the pain of recent weeks, I was determined to have a good night out again.

"I think all New Yorkers need to start trying to do the same if the city is going to get back on its feet."

Workers are continuing to clear the site at Ground Zero

De Niro, a native New Yorker, who owns a number of restaurants in Manhattan, is concerned that businesses in the district could go bust if people continue to stay away.

Some have reported an 80% drop in takings since the attacks.

Before the tragedy Manhattan had the reputation of coming alive after dark with bars, clubs and restaurants attracting crowds seven nights a week.

"Too many people's livelihoods depend on us returning," said de Niro, who is a native New Yorker.

"Downtown was always the city's heart and soul and whatever else they have done to us, we can't let terrorists tear that away."