A CORNISH-born hero who helped save more than 2,500 lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks will be remembered in his hometown on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy.

Rick Rescorla, who was born in Hayle, was working at the World Trade Center in New York when the first plane struck the North Tower on September 11, 2001.

As the attacks unfolded, Mr Rescorla took charge of evacuating people from the South Tower, where he worked for financial services company Morgan Stanley.

Drawing on his military experience and calm leadership, he encouraged workers to remain orderly and leave the building rather than wait for further instructions.

He ultimately helped coordinate the evacuation of more than 2,500 people, but tragically did not make it out himself.

On September 11, 2026, Hayle will mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks by celebrating the life, bravery and service of the Cornishman who became one of the defining heroes of that day.

A parade will begin at Penpol School at 1pm before making its way to the Rick Rescorla memorial site on Penpol Terrace, where a commemorative ceremony will begin at 1.30pm.

Representatives from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and Parachute Regiment will attend, alongside community organisations and local dignitaries.

The event will also remember the thousands of people who lost their lives in the attacks.

For Hayle, the anniversary carries a particular significance, with a local man whose life began in Cornwall being remembered for extraordinary courage thousands of miles from home.

Mr Rescorla was born in Hayle in 1939 and later served with the British Army before joining the US military. His experiences in the armed forces shaped the leadership and evacuation skills that proved vital on 9/11.

The organisers are inviting people from across Cornwall to attend the parade and ceremony and pay tribute to his remarkable life. However, with limited parking and road closures in place, attendees are encouraged to walk or use public transport where possible.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will also be livestreamed on social media.

The parade starts at Penpol School at 1pm on Friday, September 11, with the ceremony beginning at 1.30pm at Penpol Terrace.