BOLTON firefighters have continued to raise money for their New York colleagues through a host of charity events.

Green Watch from Bolton Central Fire Station accepted a cheque for more than £1,000 raised by a town centre pub.

Customers at Red on the Square in Nelson Square were asked to make donations to the fund set to help the firemen in New York following the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The Clifton Arms pub in Newport Street, Bolton, has hosted a disco and karaoke evening, a sponsored games evening and sponsored head shaves.

And firemen from Horwich Fire Station raised £1,500 in a charity bowling night held at Hollywood Bowl at the Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich.

Sponsored teams competed for the annual Middlebrook Trophy with Bolton-based company Hitachi scooping first prize.

Sub Officer Charlie Harrison, from Horwich Fire Station, said: "A good night was had by all and obviously this is a cause which is close to all our hearts."

Red on the Square was granted a special late licence and raised money from customers on the door. Brewery Thwaites also agreed to donate 10 per cent of the total money raised.

Manager Peter Leech said: "The events in New York touched a lot of people and we wanted to do something to help."

The generous efforts of Bolton's firefighters come as the total amount raised by Greater Manchester firefighters in the New York Firefighters Dependence Fund reaches the £41,000 mark. A spokesman said the figure is likely to top £100,000.

DRINK UP: A yard of ale is sunk to the benefit the New York firefighters