Paul McCartney has confirmed details of a charity single in aid of the New York firefighters and police officers. It is part of his drive to honour the New York rescue workers and aid families of the victims of the recent terrorist attacks.

Proceeds from From A Lover To Friend will be donated to aid the families of the New York firemen whose bravery has won the salute of the world. It will be released on 29 October.

At the time of the attack on the World Trade Center Paul McCartney was in a plane waiting to taxi at the airport. He watched the tragedy happen. "I witnessed the last moments of the World Trade Center twin towers," he said. "Out of the window of the plane I could see the towers smoking and in flames and, like everybody, I could not believe what was happening. As the airport was closed, I stayed in New York for a week after the attack and I was able to also witness the tremendous heroism that has come out of the city, including the bravery of the firefighters and police officers."

Sir Paul says that he has "great admiration" for the courage the firefighters and police officers showed.