The crown of liberty has been closed for almost eight long years.

Since September 11, 2001, the observation deck in the crown atop the Statue of Liberty in New York has been off limits to visitors because of fears of a terrorist attack.

But the crown will re-open on July 4, Independence Day, and visitors will be able to climb the 168 steps up through the copper-clad beauty sent by France in 1886 as a token of friendship to its fellow democracy.

The opening of the crown is another step in New York's rehabilitation - mentally and physically - from the attacks that levelled the World Trade Centre.

NEW YORK MCT