MORE than £15,000 has been raised to help the families of the hundreds of New York firefighters killed in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre, in New York.

The money was raised in sponsored ladder climbs by members of Cleveland Fire Brigade, in shopping centres across Teesside.

Assistant Divisional Officer Alan Gill said firefighters had been overwhelmed by public support.

He said: " It was a very humbling experience. People were happy to see us; they welcomed us. We had businesses bringing drinks and gifts out to us. The whole community came together - the support was absolutely wonderful.''