STRIKING firefighters at Horwich fire station were delighted when a generous girl turned up with Christmas presents for their children.

Suzanne Churchouse, aged nine, from Blackrod, knew the firefighters would not be paid during the dispute and decided instead to spend the £50 she had saved for a holiday in Tenerife on Christmas presents for the youngsters.

Her mother, Pam, said: "Suzanne asked if she could use the money to give to the fire station so the firefighters could buy presents for their children. I said it would be nicer if she bought the presents herself."

The Blackrod Primary School pupil took the presents to the station on Chorley New Road, to the amazement of firefighters on the picket line.

Firefighter Brian Wiggans said: "We are delighted by what Suzanne has done. It brought a tear to my eye that someone so young understands the situation we are in."

Suzanne said: "I really wanted to help the fire service because they save lives."

After school the little girl headed into town with her mum to buy the presents and went along to the station to drop them off. And she chose the presents very carefully, buying presents for children of all ages so no one would be left out.