CLEVELAND firefighters yesterday handed over more than £30,000 to the families of emergency workers who died during the September 11 tragedy.

A fundraising campaign was launched by Cleveland Fire Brigade following the disaster in New York and fire chiefs say they are delighted with the results.

Councillor Brenda Forster, Cleveland Fire Authority chairwoman, said £30,904.43 was raised in just two months.

"This tragedy brought out the best in people in our area," she said. "The community really got behind the fire brigade to support them in a major fundraising effort, which raised this magnificent sum for the New York Fire Department."

The cash was raised with "Full Monty" shows, a firefighters calendar, a fashion show, sponsored ladder climbs and fitness challenges.

Fire control operator Alison Jaggers, who co-ordinated much of the fundraising, said: "We will be pinning the giant cheque on the wall to remind us how generous and supportive the people of Cleveland are.