CHORLEY firefighters and support staff will join colleagues from across the county in a walking tour of all 40 Lancashire fire stations to raise money for families of victims of the terrorist attack in the USA.

The Lancashire Fire and Rescue USA Appeal Walk will begin at the Washington Hall Training Centre, Euxton, at 9am on Friday, October 5, and end at the county headquarters, Fulwood, Preston, at 5pm on Monday, October 8.

Sub officer, Neil Hardiman from headquarters, said: "Because so many firefighters lost their lives in the aftermath of the attacks trying to save others, fire and rescue services in the UK have become a focus for expressions of sympathy and support from members of the public for all victims of the disaster and their loved ones."

During the 500 mile walk they will encourage the people of the county to contribute to a collection for the families of those killed, including firefighters in the USA.

Sub officer Hardiman added: "Many people have already donated money which we have in safe keeping and more have said they want to do so.

"We felt we had to acknowledge this overwhelming response and honour it by devising a highly visible and county-wide fundraising event.

"It is intended to give everyone in Lancashire an outlet for their compassion and an opportunity to assist the bereaved by contributing to the fund."

Those participating from Chorley will be off-duty volunteers and they will complete the various 'legs' of the journey as relay teams.

In keeping with the themed, high profile nature of the event, firefighter volunteers will be dressed in fire kit and it is intended to have a fire engine as support vehicle.