HEREFORD and Worcester firefighters will join their colleagues nationwide for a minute's silence to commemorate those who have died in action.

Firefighters from the two counties and relatives of those who have perished in the line of duty will attend the inaugural International Firefighters' Day of Remembrance, being held on Sunday, September 8.

"We're attending the service, which will be held in London," said Alec Mackie, spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade.

"We've attended a service for many years now. It's held on the first Sunday in September, when there is a service at St Giles Church in London followed by a wreath laying at St Paul's Cathedral.

"This brigade always sends a senior officer and the relatives of those firefighters in this area who have died in action."

He revealed that this year the annual service will be combined with a memorial service for firefighters around the world after the events of September 11.

"September 8 is the nearest Sunday to September 11 and we will be represented by senior officers and relatives on that occasion," he added.

Members of the public will have the chance to show their support with a £1 commemorative ribbon on sale at Worcester Fire Station.

Barbara D'avino, the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund's national fund-raiser for the south, urged people to buy a ribbon and revealed that senior firefighters in the United States had been told of the event.

"Wearing one of the ribbons will provide all firefighters and members of the public the opportunity to join a moment of remembrance," she said.

"This day will enable all firefighters, their families and the public to remember those whom we have lost, give credit to those who serve and our thanks to those who are now retired from service."