A NEW York firefighter who survived the collapse of the World Trade Centre has met his York counterparts.

Battalion Commander Richard 'Pitch' Picciotto led the north tower evacuation but was inside when it fell.

In York to promote the book of his experiences on September 11, he met a team of city firefighters who presented him with a cheque for more than £120,000 for the New York Firefighters Appeal.

Commander Picciotto said:

"We have lost 343 of our brothers - the whole fire community has lost 343 brothers.

"It's felt by all firemen, and they wanted to help. Firemen are always action people, if you need help, they're the ones that do it. It's appreciated greatly."

Station Officer Simon Gallagher, of York fire service, said the money had been raised by firefighters across North Yorkshire and thanked the public for their support.

Last night's event at Borders in Davygate, to promote the book Last Man Down, was his first book signing. Borders manager Andy Danson said that ten per cent of all the store's takings yesterday were being donated to the Uniformed Fireman's Association Widows And Orphans Fund.

- See tomorrow's Evening Press for a full interview with Pitch Picciotto.

Updated: 11:23 Thursday, April 11, 2002