HAVING worked side by side with the two men it was something he felt he had to do.

Injured during the blaze that took the lives of two of his colleagues, Liam Ryan has organised a fundraising day tomorrow at The Saints pub in Millbrook, Southampton.

Live music will ring out across the car park of the pub and there will be a whole host of activities including face painting and a raffle in aid of the James Shears and Alan Bannon memorial fund.

Liam, 34, a member of Red Watch at Redbridge Hill fire station said: “I thought it was important to do something for James and Alan, not necessarily just me but everyone as a service too. They were two good lads and it’s a massive loss to us.

“It hit the local community quite hard and knowing the guys well, knowing it was not only friends but colleagues too, we were adamant about putting on a fundraising event.”

The fundraiser will run from noon until late and entry is just £2. Businesses that can donate prizes for a raffle are asked to ring 07901 821549.