THEY will join together to put on a night to remember in memory of their brothers who have left an “irreplaceable hole” at St Mary’s fire station in Southampton.

Firefighters have urged people to get tickets for a fundraiser in the city to raise cash for the families of their heroic colleagues Alan Bannon and James Shears, who died rescuing members of the public from the Shirley Towers blaze in April.

Alan, 38, and James, 35, will be remembered at the event put on by their grieving colleagues from St Mary’s.

It will take place at the Holiday Inn in West Quay Road, Southampton, tomorrow at 7.30pm.

Comedian Mike Osman will take to the stage, guests can dance the night away with a disco and there will also be a raffle and an auction with prizes including a 42in plasma TV, one hour on flight simulator, a year’s membership at a health club, a VIP Southampton Boat Show package and luxury hotel stays.

Firefighter Andy Stinton, from St Mary’s white watch, said: “Just to think of the outcome of that tragic night and the fact our colleagues have left behind their young children, we simply had to do our bit to raise as much money as we can for them.

“I know the station has already raised about £30,000. The support has been extraordinary. We just hope the public will come along and join in with us for what looks to be a great evening.”

Firefighter Stinton said the tragic deaths of the men had hit station morale hard.

He said: “They have left an irreplaceable hole. It is quiet down there but we do have a job to do.

“When something like this happens and you know the people involved it hits you hard. We are all so tight-knit the camaraderie between each watch, each station, even between firefighters across the country is so strong.

“When you lose colleagues, it is like losing family. The ripples of that spread right out.

“You just never think it is going to happen to you. But this is on our doorstep and it serves as a job reality check.

The dad of two, added: “I have noticed my wife and children say goodbye to me differently now before each shift. It affects everyone.”

The crew at St Mary’s hope as many people as possible will go. All proceeds will go straight to the Alan Bannon and James Shears Memorial Fund.

Tickets cost £10 and are available by calling St Mary’s fire station on 023 8033 3254 or by calling firefighters Andy McCheyne on 07799 675152 or Paul Watton on 07799 642517.