A FIREFIGHTER from East Lancashire will jet across the Atlantic next month to hand over a personal tribute to his New York counterparts.

Kevin Birtwell, a retained officer at Darwen fire station, will deliver the 3ft high 'pin and thread' copy of the NY firefighters' badge to their headquarters during the last week in June.

In March, he appealed through the Lancashire Evening Telegraph for sponsorship so he could visit America to hand over the badge he spent 300 hours of free time weaving.

Since, he has received cheques from the public ranging from £3 to £100 to help him raise £800. Virgin Atlantic Airways contacted Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service following the story and negotiations are under way for the company to fund the rest of the money.

Kevin, of Sudell Close, Darwen, will be accompanied by Peter Holland, Lancashire's chief fire officer, and Peter Aspden, the eastern division's area commander.

Last week CFO Holland first looked at the piece of art, which Kevin, 39, started two weeks after September 11 to pass on his respects.

He was so impressed with Kevin's work that he upgraded the trip to an official visit with a ceremony to hand over the badge.

Kevin had said he would pay for the trip himself if he was unable to raise the money. He said he will feel humbled when he realises his aim and hands over the piece of art so it can be displayed at the New York fire headquarters.

"It will be a bit solemn and a sobering experience more than anything else when I hand it over," he said.

CFO Holland said: "It's a brilliantly done piece of work. He has put hours and hours of work into it and a lot of expense himself.

"He has shown the initiative in raising the funds and it helps to bridge the distance between us and fire services in New York, which already has close links with Lancashire."

Anyone wishing to see the Kevin's piece of art should go Darwen Library as it is being displayed near the information desk.