FIREFIGHTERS across the two counties have been "overwhelmed" by almost £40,000 in public donations in aid of victims of the New York terrorist attack.

Collections held in Worcester last week amounted to £24,546.38.

Crews stood in and around the CrownGate Shopping Centre, Worcester, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Further fund-raising in Hereford raised more than £8,000, and firefighters in Droitwich collected more than £4,000.

"The phenomenal response of the public in Worcester, Hereford and Droitwich has been beyond belief," said Alec Mackie, of Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade.

"I was watching some of the collecting last week and I've never seen so many £20 notes being donated. People were going to the banks to get money to donate.

"People were also writing cheques and donating any holiday money they'd just cashed back into sterling.

"The firefighters were overwhelmed by the response of people who wanted to support their fund-raising. Donations are still coming in."

The money will be given directly to the dependants and victims of the emergency services in New York.