LANCASHIRE'S firefighters are to take part in a tour of all 40 of the county's fire stations to raise funds for the people of America touched by last week's disaster.

Dressed in full uniform and with a fire engine acting as a support vehicle, firefighters will tackle the 500-mile trek across four days next month.

All money raised will go to the families of those killed in the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.

Many of those that perished in the tragedy were firefighters attempting to save lives. New York fire chief Peter Ganci, who died when one of the World Trade Centre towers collapsed, was a good friend to many Lancashire firefighters and had visited East Lancashire on a number of occasions.

Sub Officer Neil Hardman, who works from the headquarters in Fulwood, said: "Fire and rescue services in the UK have become a focus for expressions of sympathy and support from members of the public for all victims of the disaster and their loved ones. Many in Lancashire have already donated money , which we have in safe keeping, and more have said they want to do so.

"We felt we had to acknowledge this overwhelming response and honour it by devising a highly visible event. It is intended to give everyone in Lancashire an outlet for their compassion and an opportunity to assist the bereaved by contributing to the fund."

The exact route has yet to be finalised although it will set off on Friday October 5 from the training centre in Chorley and end at the Fulwood headquarters on Monday October 8.

Those taking part will all be off-duty and will be drawn from the areas they serve to complete the various legs of the journey.