FUNDRAISING across the county has continued for the two hero firefighters who lost their lives in the Shirley Towers tragedy.

Scores of events are being arranged to help boost cash for the James Shears and Alan Bannon Fund that already stands at thousands of pounds.

Among the events was a fundraising rugby match between teams from Hampshire Police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue yesterday.

Players held a minute’s silence before the game at Winchester Rugby Club and wore black armbands. The match helped raise cash for the families’ appeal.

However, it has emerged some well-wishers have had problems contributing to the Daily Echo backed appeal due a banking glitch.

To make donating easier Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are advising people who want to donate to the memorial fund to take cash or a cheque to their local station or post a cheque to HFRS headquarters, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9SJ. No cash should be sent in the post.

Cheques should be made payable to the James Shears and Alan Bannon Memorial Fund.

Those using Internet banking or paying in at The Co-op can transfer money into Unity Trust Bank, sort code 08-60-01, account number 20111678.

St Mary Fire Station manager Dave Graham said: “The service and staff have been touched and overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community, the people of Hampshire, all of Great Britain and the world, at this time of sadness.

“It is a great comfort.”

The two firefighters, Alan, 38, and James, 35, members of Red Watch at St Mary’s Fire Station, were among the first on the scene tackling the blaze which saw 100 people rescued.

Post mortems were yesterday carried out and the findings will be referred to the coroner but not released to the public ahead of the inquest. Firefighters themselves will be holding a charity car wash to raise money in memory of their colleagues.

They will be out in force at Western Esplanade, on May 1 between 10am and 4pm.