PLANS to build a memorial for British victims of the September 11 attacks have been backed by Swindon MP Julia Drown.

She said the project to open a special garden in New York would act as a permanent reminder of the lives which were lost.

Ms Drown said: "There were 67 British people who died at the World Trade Centre and I think it is right they are remembered. It is particularly important for relatives of the victims, but the events of that day affected everyone.

"It is important to have a place were people can reflect on what happened."

And she said a peaceful garden in the middle of New York's Hanover Square would be the perfect way of paying respect to the attack's victims.

It will also be used by British citizens living in New York on other traditional occasions, including Remem-brance Day for those killed fighting in world wars.

She said: "I'm encouraged this has been made possible, and it is good that British architects are behind the designs."

The British Memorial Garden, supported by the Prince of Wales, will also serve as a tribute to New York's authorities, and the city's emergency services.

Designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman were asked to oversee the project, after their blueprints were selected after a competition.

British artist Anish Kapoor is also set to design a sculpture symbolising unity between the United Kingdom and the United States, which will be placed in the garden.