I HAVE recently had the pleasure of reading your coverage of our efforts to raise funds for the families of those bereaved by those tragic events of September 11 in New York.

In addition to being overwhelmed by the strength of support from the public, I was also very pleased to see the support and commitment the Evening Press has given our firefighters, thus significantly raising the profile and increasing the funds raised.

Our wildest expectations have been surpassed and after a few short weeks the fund stands at £113,000.

I would like to pass on my grateful thanks and that of all the personnel in North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to the people of York and North Yorkshire.

The decision has been taken to close this fund on Monday, December 31.

We intend to pass the money over to the New York Firefighters by the end of January 2002.

As you know, firefighters are held in high regard by the public and I should like to think that the success of this appeal is a combination of this as well as the general desire to offer tangible support to the American people so tragically affected by this atrocity.

E L Clark,

Chief Fire Officer,

Fire Brigade Headquarters,

Crosby Road, Northallerton.

Updated: 11:39 Wednesday, November 14, 2001