LINKS between Farnworth Fire Station and firefighters in the USA were strengthened this month by the visit of an American woman.

Sue Zera paid a visit to crews at Farnworth when she came to Bolton to see a friend she had met on holiday.

Mrs Zera, aged 64, and Gladys Lever, of Windermere Road, Farnworth, met on holiday seven years ago and helped set up links between Farnworth and the Columbia Firehouse in Illinois where Mrs Zera ran a bar near to the fire station.

Since then firefighters on both side of the Atlantic have sent T-shirts and flags to one another.

Mrs Zera finally met crews from Farnworth when she paid a visit to Bolton.

It is hoped the two stations will continue to forge their close partnership which could later lead to exchange trips.

Sub officer Dave Smith said: "We gave her a flag and some other memorabilia and it's a nice way for us to strike up a friendship.

"Greater Manchester Fire Service has had links with fire houses in New York for some time after the September 11 attacks and we raised money for them with a big event in Manchester last year.

"This is a nice way for us to establish further links with the US and hopefully we can all benefit from it."