A HERO who pulled 15 people from the World Trade Centre during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York is to visit Burnley.

William Rodriguez is to give a talk at Wesleyan House, Clough Street, in an event organised by pressure group the West Yorkshire Truth Campaign.

Mr Rodriguez worked as a janitor at the trade centre for 19 years. On September 11, 2001, he first pulled 15 people to safety.

Then, as he was the only person with a master key, he bravely led firefighters up the stairwells of the north tower, unlocking doors to help hundreds of people escape.

It was said that Mr Rodigruez was the last man out of the doomed building before its collapse.

Event organiser, Anthony Beckett, said: "This is an astounding chance to hear first hand the testimony of a witness to 9/11.

"William originally gave his testimony to the 9/11 Commission behind closed doors fully hoping that they were going to do the right thing. Now he tells his story to captivated audiences around the world. This is an opportunity not to be missed."

Mr Rodriguez is a native of Puerto Rico, but lives in New Jersey in the US. He has been honoured at the White House five times for his heroic efforts.

Mr Rodriguez is also the president of the Hispanic Victims' Group and an internationally recognised peace campaigner.

He last toured the UK in February and, due to popular demand, is returning to Europe this summer to do another 22 dates across four countries. The Burnley event takes places on Friday, July 6 at 8pm.