Bell symbolises hope after terror

The bell is 31 inches wide (78.74cm)

A 650-pound bell that is to be presented to a New York church on the anniversary of the World Trade Centre attacks was being cast in London on Friday.

The Lord Mayor of London, Michael Oliver, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, were among those witnessing the casting of the bell, which weighs 294.84 kilograms.

It is to be shipped to New York and mounted on a stand in the churchyard of Trinity Church, in Wall Street, in time for a service on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Its inscription reads: "To the greater glory of God and in recognition of the enduring links between the City of London and the city of New York. Forged in adversity - September 11, 2001."

Symbol of hope

The 30-minute casting ceremony was carried out at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in east London, which cast the original ring of eight bells for Trinity Church in 1797.

Mr Oliver said the bell, which was commissioned by the Corporation of London, would symbolise hope for those affected by the attacks on 11 September.

He said: "I think it's a token of our empathising with the people in New York."

The US ambassador to Britain William Farish said the gift was "an incredible reaffirmation of the special relationship that exists between London and New York."