A SPECIAL book created to honour the firefighters who died in the events of September 11 has been presented to Hereford and Worcester chief fire officer David O'Dwyer.

A second copy of The Brotherhood Book, only produced in America, was also presented to Bromsgrove station officer John Hodges at a special ceremony at Bromsgrove Council House.

Councillor Jean Luck, Bromsgrove Council's cabinet member responsible for planning policy, obtained copies of the book through her daughter, who is married to the senior vice-president of the New York advertising agency which put the books together. Both have been signed by Thomas Von Essen, commissioner of the New York Fire Department.

"We are very fortunate to have been able to obtain copies," said deputy council leader Councillor Terri Matthews.

"Where better for them to go than to our own firefighters for having raised more than £161,000 for families of their American colleagues who lost their loved ones?"

The book contains pictures and names of all the firefighters who died.

Coun Luck said: "On visits to see my daughter and son-in-law I got to know some of the New York firefighters stationed near where I stayed.

"They suffered badly in the event which took the lives of 343 firefighters."

Fire brigade spokesman Alec Mackie said Mr O'Dwyer was extremely grateful to receive the book.

"I'm sure it will become a treasured memory of those tragic events and Mr O'Dwyer is already making sure that it's circulated around the stations."