Liverpool has paid tribute to the victims of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks with two columns of light projected into the sky above the city.

The twin beams shone out from the roof of the Liver building to the strains of a lone piper from the 1st Battalion Irish Regiment.

Organisers said the columns of light stretch 11 miles into the sky, mirroring a memorial staged in New York earlier this year.

The event, on Wednesday night, attracted several hundred people to Liverpool's Pier Head - the departure point for thousands of emigrants who left the city for New York.

I hope this... allows us to look forward to a lasting relationship between people across Liverpool and across the world

Mike Storey, Liverpool City Council

People paid their respects to the victims of the 11 attacks and heard the city's singer in residence, Rachael Russell, perform the Star Spangled Banner.

Later firefighters, police and paramedics paid their own tribute to colleagues across the Atlantic with members of the emergency services forming a guard of honour outside the Liver Building.

Speaking before the ceremony Liverpool Lord Mayor Councillor Jack Spriggs said: "Liverpool has a special friendship agreement and a special relationship with New York.

"So many people left our great port for new lives in America. Liverpool was the gateway for a new life in the new world.

"We want to show the people of New York that our hearts and minds are with them on the anniversary of this terrible event."

Liverpool City Council leader Mike Storey said the event was not just about paying tribute to those who died.

"I hope that this evening...also allows us to look forward to a lasting relationship between people and communities across Liverpool and across the world."

The event was staged in conjunction with Liverpool Habitat for Humanity - a branch of the international housing charity.

Last rites

A spokesman for the organisation said the beams of light would shine above Liverpool for the next seven nights "in memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic events of 11 September, 2001".

The charity is to launch its first project in the city, the Commemoration Plaza.

A street within it will be named after Father Mychal Judge, a victim of the attacks.

He was administering last rites in the twin towers when he was killed.