WITHIN three weeks of the terrorist attack on America, York firefighters have raised £42,000 for families of their stricken colleagues in New York.

That adds up to one of the most remarkable fund-raising campaigns in the city's history.

The money will boost a fund to support the loved ones of the 300 New York firefighters who perished trying to save others in the World Trade Centre. Yet the gift is more than just financial. It affirms the friendship between two cities that share a name at a time when America needs its friends more than ever.

Divided by 3,000 miles of ocean, the firefighters of York and New York are bonded by common experience. North Yorkshire's fire officers recognise the courage and feel the pain of their US colleagues more acutely than most.

We are proud to have supported their appeal, and proud of the generous response they received.

In a sense, the presentation of the cheque today marks an end to the first phase of the response to the terrorist atrocities. The initial shock has abated. The thousands of bereaved can apply for death certificates of their loved ones. Clear-up operations are well underway, and a debate about what might replace the twin towers has begun.

Aid now has to be directed at the dreadful refugee crisis in Afghanistan. And the world's attention is fully focused on this blighted country as we await a military response.

So far the United States is showing admirable restraint. Tony Blair has demonstrated true statesmanship by counselling Washington on the need for a proportionate, long-term response while advancing the global coalition against terrorism.

The Prime Minister and countless others will draw strength today from the words of the Archbishop of York. Dr David Hope articulates the feelings of many as he calls for any "war" on terrorism to be precisely targeted, and embarked upon only when we are sure that it will make the world a safer and better place.

Updated: 11:21 Friday, September 28, 2001