A WORCESTER firefighter has paid tribute to his American colleagues who died in New York a week ago and to generous city shoppers who have donated thousands of pounds to a fund for victims' families.

Leading Firefighter Dave Smith, who organised the three-day collection in CrownGate which netted £24,546, praised New York crews' extraordinary bravery as he thanked Worcester people for their "overwhelming kindness".

The total collected in the two counties now stands at over £46,000.

"As a firefighter, when the bells toll I know what it feels like when this great community of ours is in trouble," Mr Smith said.

"The adrenaline flows when my colleagues and I jump on to the trucks with the blue lights flashing and horns sounding, rushing through the city.

"It's my job as a firefighter to help those in need, to save life, to protect property and occasionally render humanitarian services.

"It's expected of us to protect our community.

"Three hundred firefighters in New York would have had those same feelings towards their communities in downtown Manhattan a week ago."

He thanked shoppers who flocked to the collection point "in their droves", but urged others to donate to the fund.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the response," he said.

"Never before have I witnessed people queue to give money away, from as little as one penny to as much as £50.

"The generosity was phenomenal."

Donations can be taken to any fire station in Worcestershire or Herefordshire, or paid directly into the fund bank account by contacting Mr Smith on 01905 24454.