BOLTON firefighters are appealing for the town to support them in raising cash for the families of the hundreds of American firemen killed in last week's terrorist attacks.

Sixteen firemen from Bolton Central Fire Station's Greenwatch will attempt to climb 29,028 feet using a number of verti-climb exercise machines on Saturday.

The event will be held at Bolton's Market Place in Corporation Street.

It hopes to raise hundreds of pounds for the appeal -- as the latest firefighter death toll in New York tops the 300 mark.

Bolton firemen will wear full service uniform to complete the novel and gruelling climb, the same height as the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. Residents are all asked to donate generously at the event, to be held between 11am and 4pm.

Bolton Central's Greenwatch Station Officer Dave Pimblett said crews wanted to help families of American colleagues who lost their lives in the attacks. Crews suggested the idea.

Station Officer Pimblett said: "We will be raising money in the charity event for the New York Firefighters Appeal Fund. It is not a sponsored event.

"I would urge people to come along and give generously. It was the idea of the lads here who felt it important to do something.

"Latest figures suggest their are 311 firemen in New York reported dead. It has left a lot of wives and children without their fathers so the more that we can raise the better.

"It is the equivalent of the 41 fire stations across Greater Manchester all losing their entire members of one watch."

For details or information contact Bolton Central Fire Station on 01204 902103.