SIX top-ranking New York firefighters are coming to Worcester to thank those who donated £163,000 to families of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attack.

The officers will also be among the guests of honour at the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund's diamond jubilee event, "Spirit of Fire" at The Royal Albert Hall, London, on Sunday, June 29.

The following day they will visit stations throughout Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Leading firefighter Dave Smith, of Worcester, who co-ordinated the fund-raising in the two counties for the New York families, is organising the visit to the brigade on Monday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 1.

Performances by Kidderminster's fire service band, charity car washes, street collections in CrownGate Shopping Centre, Worcester, and collections in the pubs of Stourport-on-Severn were just some of the brigade's fund-raising activities.

"The 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," said Mr Smith

"After the tragedy of 9/11 British firefighters returned the favour and raised over £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, the New York firefighters will also attend a "friendship dinner" at The Fownes Hotel, Worcester, on Tuesday, July 1.

Mr Smith said the local branch of the benevolent fund was inviting businesses and organisations to sponsor the visit to the county.

One sponsorship package includes tickets for the "Spirit of Fire" concert in London, hotel accommodation, advertising and publicity.

For further information contact Mr Smith, secretary of the Hereford and Worcester branch of the benevolent fund on 01905 795889 or 07710504765 or email dsmith2 @hwwfire.org.uk