NORTH Yorkshire firefighters have been thanked for raising thousands of pounds for their New York counterparts in the wake of the World Trade Centre attacks.

Almost £100,000 was raised in York and North Yorkshire for the families of more than 300 New York firefighters who died when the twin towers collapsed.

Evening Press readers donated more than £5,000 of the total after the paper threw its weight behind the fund-raising campaign.

Now letters of thanks have been received from New York's Fire Commissioner and the chief of a New Jersey fire department which was in the thick of the rescue operation.

Thomas Von Essen, New York's fire commissioner thanked the brigade in a letter addressed to firefighters across the UK.

"We are so overwhelmed with your love, prayers and gratitude," he writes.

"It is not possible for us to respond to each and every one of you who shared your gifts of love and kindness.

"So please accept this posting as our way of saying "THANK YOU" for being there for us."

Chief William Wiley, of the Hainesport Fire Department, based in New Jersey, also thanks UK firefighters.

"On September 11 the fire departments of New York and New Jersey were called to action for a disaster that was never expected," he writes.

"My department was called to assist the NYC department and several of my firefighters witnessed first-hand the carnage of this brutal attack."

Mr Wiley wrote that he was impressed with the way the UK had offered personnel, medical aid and military support.

"I must confess after 21 years in the fire service I never thought the brotherhood of international firefighters would be pulled together so tightly."

Steve Ferry, sub-officer for Malton fire station, said he was grateful for the thanks.

"People in York and North Yorkshire did a lot to raise money for the victims' families," he said.

"I think they will be pleased to learn this has been acknowledged."

Updated: 11:39 Thursday, November 01, 2001