HAMPSHIRE'S top fire officer has thanked the people of the county for their generosity after the September 11 atrocities.

According to Chief Fire Officer Malcolm Eastwood, Hampshire people have demonstrated that the true spirit of Christmas carries over to the rest of the year.

"The events of September 11 are etched in everyone's memories, particularly firefighters," he said.

"But the response of people everywhere - especially here in Hampshire - has been magnificent and shows the real regard the community has for the fire service.

"I must say a big thank you to all those who gave so generously for the dependants of those who died or were injured in New York.

"I am extremely proud to work among the people who supported us and, of course, proud to work alongside the firefighters of this county who volunteered to wash cars, organise raffles and make collections on behalf of their colleagues."

Basingstoke fire station received £8,842 through fundraising and donations for the Afghanistan appeal, with the remaining stations in A division North Hants - Hartley Wintney, Kingsclere, Odiham, Tadley and A division HQ - bringing the total in the area to £9,678.

This money is now being sent to America, along with all the other collections from around the country.

Mr Eastwood said: "We will continue to try and make our communities safer places in the coming year as we have in the past."