FIREFIGHTERS on the Fylde are to help raise money for the families of their American counterparts killed in the tragic collapse of New York's two World Trade Centre towers.

Fire crews and support workers from across the whole of Lancashire will be taking part in a fundraising walk around all 40 of the county's fire stations -- a distance of more than 500 miles -- between October 5 and 8.

Off-duty volunteers, drawn from the areas they serve, will complete "legs" of the walk in relay. And firefighters will be dressed in fire kits while a fire engine will act as a support vehicle for the event.

Sub Officer Neil Hardiman, from Service HQ in Preston, said: "Because so many firefighters died in the aftermath of the attacks trying to save others, Fire and Rescue Services in the UK have become a focus for expressions of sympathy and support from members of the public for all victims of the disaster and their loved ones. We felt we had to acknowledge this overwhelming response and honour it."

Bob Martin, leading fire fighter at St Annes fire station on St Andrews Road North, said fire crews in the Fylde were shocked by the scale of the disaster.

"It's certainly stunned a lot of people. They've lost close to 300 firefighters. That's the equivalent of virtually a third of Lancashire fire service wiped out in one go."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service was visited by New York's fire chief Peter Ganci two years ago. Mr Ganci, aged 54, was killed in the collapse of the World Trade Centre towers during the rescue efforts on the day of the terrorist attacks two weeks ago.

A New York Fire Department badge is on display in St Annes fire station. In a cruel irony the symbol on the badge is the Trade Centre's twin towers.