GLADIATORS met firemen in a charity battle outside a Bolton pub.

Crowds watched as the Clifton Gladiators - pub regulars from the Clifton Arms - faced Bolton Central's Greenwatch team in a charity tug of war on Friday evening.

The challenge was one of a week-long programme of events held at the pub in Newport Street to raise money for the New York Firefighters Appeal. Regulars have enjoyed a 24-hour pool marathon, various karaoke and disco evenings and even a sponsored head shave.

Firefighters from stations across Bolton have all done their bit to help the families of their American counterparts killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Bolton Central Fire Stations Greenwatch raised £6,829 after scaling the equivalent of Mount Everest on two exercise machines at the Market Place shopping centre last month.

And firefighters from Horwich also raised money through supermarket collections and a charity ten-pin bowling evening.

The total of Greater Manchester County Fire Service's appeal is expected to top the £10,000 mark.