Relatives and friends of British victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks have travelled to New York to be at the site of the World Trade Centre for commemorations today.

Prince Andrew, choristers from Windsor Castle and around 120 British police officers are among those making the journey to the US for Monday's anniversary ceremonies marking the fifth anniversary of the attacks.

The prince will speak briefly at the commemoration and will meet with victims' families.

In total, 2,973 people were killed five years ago when terrorists hijacked aircrafts and caused horrific destruction by flying them into New York's World Trade Centre and the Pentagon.

Some 67 of the UK officers will provide an honour guard at a service at the British Memorial Garden, their number representing the 67 Britons killed in the atrocities.

The police group, which includes two chief superintendents and comes from 24 forces across the UK, will form part of the honour guard at a remembrance ceremony at Ground Zero on Monday to show solidarity with their American counterparts.

At the main commemorations at Ground Zero on Monday, 200 spouses and partners of victims will read the names of all those who died at the World Trade Centre. As places of worship in America ring their bells at exactly 8.46am (1.46pm UK time) - the time the first plane crashed into the North Tower - in London a wreath will be laid outside the American Embassy in Grosvenor Square.

In keeping with families' wishes the UK government is not organising any official commemorations although US Ambassador Robert Tuttle will lead a quiet ceremony at the September 11 memorial garden next to the embassy. A small number of families are expected to attend.

Later in the day around 25 relatives of British victims are expected to attend a separate commemoration at the British Memorial Garden in New York just half a mile from the World Trade Centre site.

In other news, President Bush and other top officials joined thousands gathering across the US yesterday in tearful tributes, prayers and quiet reflection on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

In New York, the president and first lady Laura Bush placed wreaths in pools of water at Ground Zero, where the World Trade Centre's twin towers stood.

Afterwards Bush attended a "Service of Prayer and Remembrance" at a nearby chapel with his wife.