A YORK pastor told today how a close friend led doomed colleagues in a circle of prayer on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center's south tower moments before it collapsed.

Jeff Cuozzo, 29, of Campbell Avenue, Holgate, said father-of-three Al Braca was an "inspiration" to everyone.

American Mr Cuozzo, 29, who moved to York last year with his English wife, Naomi, and two children, said frantic phone conversations from stricken workers to their loved-ones told how Mr Braca had gathered together trapped colleagues to pray.

"It's typical of the man," said Mr Cuozzo, who went to high school with Mr Braca's twin daughters.

"We know Al's floor was blocked and extremely hot after the first plane hit - they must have known it was the end.

"Al was know as 'the Rev' round the office because of his strong Christian beliefs.

"He got everyone to join hands in a circle and began praying for them according to the phone calls. The building collapsed soon after.

"Al will be remembered as an inspirational Christian witness - he thought of others right until the very end."

Mr Cuozzo, who is a Bible teacher at the Calvary Evangelical Chapel in Walmgate Bar, said his friend's body was one of the first to be found intact by rescue workers two days after the disaster.

"Al lived life to the full," Mr Cuozzo said.

"He stayed with my parents for four months before he died and got up at 5am to get to the Trade Center for work.

"I've spoken briefly to Al's family. They're obviously very upset but are taking comfort from the fact he is now in heaven.

"My mother has been supporting them in New Jersey."

A memorial service was held for Mr Braca at his church in America.

Mr Cuozzo said he was relieved to discover his high school best friend, stockbroker Jessie Muscarello, had been moved out of the World Trade Center two months before the terrorist atrocities.

Updated: 10:38 Wednesday, October 03, 2001