FIREFIGHTERS and support staff from Preston and South Ribble will join colleagues across the county in a walking tour of all 40 Lancashire fire stations to raise money for families of victims of the terrorist attack on the USA.

The Lancashire Fire and Rescue USA Appeal Walk will begin at Washington Hall Training Centre, Euxton, near Chorley, at 9am on Friday, October 5, and end at headquarters, Fulwood, Preston, at 5pm on Monday, October 8.

Sub officer Neil Hardiman from headquarters, said: "Because so many firefighters lost their lives 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."

During the 500 mile walk they will encourage the people of Lancashire to contribute to a collection for the families of those killed, including firefighters in the USA.

Sub officer Hardiman added: "Many in Lancashire have already donated money which we have in safe keeping and more have said they want to do so.

"We felt we had to acknowledge this overwhelming response and honour it by devising a highly visible and county-wide fund-raising event.

"It is intended to give everyone in Lancashire an outlet for their compassion and an opportunity to assist the bereaved by contributing to the fund." Some of those participating from Preston will be off-duty volunteers and they will complete the various 'legs' of the journey as relay teams.

In keeping with the theme of the event, firefighter volunteers will be dressed in fire kit and have a fire engine as support vehicle.