FIREFIGHTERS remembered fallen comrades on the 10th anniversary of September 11 by pulling a fire engine the same distance as the height of a World Trade Centre.

Chester and Ellesmere Port fire crews hauled the 9.5 ton appliance three times around a circuit of the city centre taking in St Werburgh Street, Eastgate Street, Northgate Street and the Town Hall Square.

Volunteers, cadets and fire and rescue service support staff who joined them on the 1km route on Saturday morning (September 10) collected more than £268 for the Fire Fighters Charity.

Simon Gibbins, Chester Fire Station manager, was grateful for the support of hundreds of shoppers, tourists and race-goers who gave generously and applauded the effort.

He said: “We were overwhelmed by the support we received and we are grateful to everyone who generously donated money.

“A big thanks also go to Blue Watch Chester for their efforts in making the event happen, Red and White Watch Chester for testing and preparing the appliance, Blue Watch Ellesmere Port, Chester Cadets and other staff who gave their time. It was a very fitting way of remembering those who lost their lives 10 years ago.”

The event in Chester was one of a number taking place across Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s stations at the weekend in memory of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in the attack on New York.

The Fire Fighters Charity is the UK’s leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families by offering pioneering treatment and support services.

For further information visit www.firefighterscharity.org.uk