Leominster fire fighters were yesterday remembering a colleague who died in action at the Sun Valley blaze of 1993. They have also been 'overwhelmed' by the generosity of local people in a collection for the New York firemen who perished in the recent terrorist outrage.

More than £4,000 was collected in Leominster for a firemen's families appeal fund set up following the World Trade Center tragedy.

Money showered into collection buckets - some women emptied out their purses - when the Leominster crews turned out in full kit with fire engines and a huge Stars and Stripes.

Sub Officer Roger Hall said he and his men found the 'amazingly generous' response very moving.

By apt coincidence the Leominster fire fighters were this week remembering one of their team, leading fireman John Davies, who died in the Sun Valley factory fire in Hereford eight years ago.

The men have never forgotten 'JD' - his nickname - who died, tragically, leaving a widow and young family.

Over the last 12 months the firemen and their families have raised £2,500 to buy and train a dog for Guide Dogs for the Blind. It will be named 'Jaydee'.

A cheque was due to be presented to an official of the charity at a special gathering in Leominster Fire Station last night. Family members of the late John Davies were expected to attend what Mr Hall described as 'a big occasion' for Leominster's retained firemen and their families.

"It is sheer coincidence that we have this presentation at this time," said Mr Hall, reflecting on the poignant timing.

He said Leominster responded 'brilliantly' when the firemen launched their collection outside one of the town's supermarkets and at Corn Square.

"Some of the women were emptying their purses, some people wrote cheques and some went straight to their cashpoint," he said.

The cash snowball kept rolling when the firemen did a tour of Leominster's pubs and clubs. They were touched by the 'wonderful response' of young people when they visited a nightclub.

"We would like to thank everyone for their great generosity over the weekend - it was unbelievable," said Roger Hall.

The Leominster initiative was part of a Hereford and Worcester fire service collection. It is expected that around £60,000 from the region will aid the New York appeal.