SIX top-ranking New York firefighters will visit Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade this month to thank the public for giving £163,000 to the dependants of their colleagues who perished in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001.

The officers will be among the guests of honour at the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund Diamond Jubilee event 'Spirit of Fire' at The Royal Albert Hall, London on June 29 to celebrate 60 years since the fund was created.

Leading firefighter Dave Smith of Worcester, who coordinated the fundraising in the two counties for the New York families, is organising the visit to the brigade on June 30 and July 1.

Tragedy

He said: "The Fire Services National Benevolent Fund was created as a result of donations made by American firefighters to the families of British firefighters who died during the early weeks of the Blitz.

"After the tragedy of 9/11, British firefighters returned the favour and raised more than £8m to send to New York. This amount included in excess of £163,000 raised by the Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade."

During their visit to the brigade, the New York firefighters will meet local firefighters at Ledbury, Malvern, Droitwich Evesham and Worcester. They will also attend a 'Friendship Dinner' at The Fownes Hotel, Worcester on July 1 .

Mr Smith said the local branch of the FSNBF were inviting local businesses and organisations to sponsor the visit to the two counties.

Anyone interested in becoming a New York firefighter sponsor can contact leading firefighter Dave Smith, secretary of the Hereford and Worcester branch of the FSNBF on 01905 795889 or mobile 07710504765 or email dsmith2@hwwfire.org.uk