DRINKERS out in York pubs tonight will be asked to donate money for New York firefighters in an American-style "fill-the-boot" collection.

Firefighters from York Fire Station's Blue Watch will be out in the centre of town using a firefighter's boot as their collecting tin.

Firefighter Julian Hansen said the watch would be working as normal, ready to be called out, but instead of being based at the station they would be taking two fire engines round the centre of York.

He said other watches at the station would also be doing similar collections in the coming days and weeks and he hoped to persuade other stations within North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and other brigades across the country to help build up a huge fund total.

The watch checked out their route last night and will be visiting Coney Street, Micklegate and Bridge Street during their tour.

Julian said: "People seem to be quite prepared to give money and when we were out we were given £40 by people who were just passing."

They plan to set off at 8pm.

The firefighters at York have already pledged 75 per cent of the proceeds of their annual beer festival to the New York Fire Department and their families.

Updated: 11:56 Friday, September 14, 2001