GENEROUS York and North Yorkshire has raised more than £96,000 for the families of New York firefighters.

The staggering amount, which has come together in only three weeks, has been raised through collections, open days and donations.

More than £42,000 was raised in York alone.

Meanwhile, it was announced that more than 60 firefighters from North Yorkshire will attend a special memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral, in London, next week for their New York colleagues who died as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The event, which is expected to attract 5,000 firefighters and support staff from across the United Kingdom, will take place on Thursday.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority thanked those who had helped raise the sum, for their generosity.

"The response in North Yorkshire has been amazing," he said. "On behalf of all North Yorkshire Fire Brigade staff and the Fire Authority I would like to convey a sincere thank-you to the community for this wonderful support."

The spokesman said that 66 staff, representing all stations across the brigade area, would attend the event in London.

"The loss of so many firefighters during the events which occurred in the USA on September 11 has touched the whole community," he said.

"In recognition of the role played by firefighters throughout the tragic incidents, firefighters and staff from across the UK have sought ways to support their USA colleagues.

"The response from the community has been spectacular and over the past three weeks many people have been calling in at fire stations to offer support and money."

Updated: 09:38 Saturday, October 06, 2001