Reading fire crews in memorial fund collection

Both firefighters served with Red Watch and had young families

Firefighters across Reading have taken to the streets to raise money for a fund set up in memory of two firemen killed in Southampton.

James Shears, 35, died alongside colleague Alan Bannon, 38, in the 15-storey Shirley Towers on 6 April.

Crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Dee Road and Whitley Wood will be collecting money in Broad Street.

All the money raised will go to the James Shears and Alan Bannon Memorial Fund, set up to support their families.

Last month, hundreds of people attended the funerals of both firefighters, which were held near their homes.

'Devastating impact'

Mr Shears lived in Poole, Dorset, with his wife Carla and two young sons while Mr Bannon lived in Bitterne, Southampton, and had a young daughter.

A fire service and police investigation is continuing into how the fire started and how the men died.

Firefighter Dan Smith, from White Watch at Whitley Wood fire station, said: "Colleagues from others stations have raised funds with car washes or other events but we wanted to get together as Reading stations to do something.

"As firefighters ourselves we understand the devastating impact that their deaths will have on their families and friends and on their fellow firefighters."

A memorial service is planned for both firefighters at Winchester Cathedral in July.