FOLLOWING last week's dreadful events in Manhattan the Advertiser/Messenger received an e-mail from former Bromsgrove man Micky Chance and his family who are now living in America.

Mickey, a car sales representative, was keen for us to let family and friends know that they were safe and well although it has been a traumatic time for them and countless others.

Micky says: "On that fateful day, I was at home in east Brooklyn on my day off. My wife Jackie, and our daughter Jenera, who is 12 years old, were in Manhattan. Jackie was at work on 34th and 9th Ave. and witnessed the second plane hit the World Trade Centre.

"She was looking out from her 18th floor window in utter disbelief. My daughter was in class at school on 23rd St. and 8th Ave. and she heard the bang.

"My wife collected Jenera at around midday and both walked from 23rd St. downtown and over the Manhattan bridge to downtown Brooklyn -- around seven miles, in thick smoke and dust.

"There were thousands of people just trying to make it home. Jackie and Jenera both got back safe and well at around 7.30pm, although very sore and in total shock.

I myself have lost clients who over the last two years have taken delivery of their new Jaguars and really looked on me as their friend, not just a car sales person. So even if people have not been here long the warmth of the people here in New York city is fantastic, so I feel so sad that this could happen.

"My thoughts go to all who have lost someone.

"Now we must not run and hide , we must make a stand, because we will win in the end.

"To all my family -- Christine, Steve, Tommy Barker, and all who know me -- love, peace, harmony."