TEARS and cheers were mixed together as a group of firefighters from Somerset took part in an international football tournament in New York.

The competition attracted 12 teams from eight countries, with the Somerset squad of 30, captained by Andy Burridge, coming fifth after winning a penalty shoot-out against the Germans!

The trip enabled the firefighters to renew strong bonds with their New York counterparts which were first formed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers.

And the event also raised money for a scholarship fund set up in memory of Sergio Villanueva, one of the FDNY members who died that day.

The Somerset group also enjoyed a gala evening, toured fire stations in the Big Apple and helped with training in a clinic for young footballers.

Chris Snook, who helped organise the trip, said: "We were the first team to go over there and play after 9/11, so there were mixed emotions when we were invited back.

"The football went well considering the quality of the opposition and it was all about friendship and football.

"There were times when it was very moving - such as when we went into the memorial room at one station and when a band of pipers marched into the gala evening."

*The firefighters held a number of sponsored events towards the Sergio Villanueva scholarship - a signed West Bromwich Albion pennant arrived after the cut off date and is now be offered to the highest bidder - contact Chris Snook with your offers by May 20 on 0796-8749978.