TWO copies of a special book sold in memory of the firefighters who died following the terrorist attack on New York's twin towers are to be presented to Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade in recognition of the money it raised for bereaved families.

Bromsgrove District Council will hand over a copy of The Brotherhood Book to both chief fire officer David O'Dwyer and Bromsgrove's station officer John Hodges at a ceremony at the council house in Burcot Lane, tomorrow (Thursday).

The books were obtained by Cllr Jean Luck (Con. Alvechurch) whose daughter is married to the senior vice president of the advertising agency in New York responsible for putting the book together.

Both volumes have been signed by Thomas Von Essen, commissioner of the New York Fire Department.

The book contains pictures and names of all the firefighters who died trying to save those engulfed in the horrific events of September 11 last year at the World Trade Centre.

"It is only published in America and is very rare. On my visits to see my daughter and son-in-law I got to know some of the New York firefighters stationed near to where I stayed," said Cllr Luck.

"They suffered badly in the event which took the lives of 343 local firefighters," he added.

Deputy council leader Cllr Terri Matthews (Con, Furlongs) commented: "We were very fortunate to have been able to obtain copies of the book.

"Where better for them to go than to our own local firefighters for having raised over £161,000 for the families of their American colleagues?"