DROITWICH Spa firefighters raising cash for victims of the terrorist attack in America have been stunned by the generosity of town shoppers.

Crews from the Spa's fire station, off Saltway, collected nearly £5,500 for the New York Fire Department on Friday and Saturday.

Around 300 firefighters are believed to have perished while trying to help trapped office workers.

Crews stood in and around Salters Shopping Centre and people were queuing to make donations.

Leading firefighter Boris Borkowski said: "It's a hard thing to find out that you're mortal, when for 18 years you've been convinced of your own invincibility.

"Firefighters are well trained in their procedures, well protected by their uniforms and colleagues and are renowned for running towards danger when all others flee.

"This has never been so well illustrated as on September 11."

A three-minute silence was held at the station on Friday morning in honour of the people who perished.

Firefighters will be collecting cash at the shopping centre between 2pm and 5pm this Saturday.