A COLLECTION by firefighters for a brave youngster touched the hearts of shoppers.

Retained firefighters based at the County Durham and Darlington brigade's headquarters spent Saturday in Durham City collecting for 11-year-old Rachel Spence.

Rachel, of Seaham, was diagnosed with a tumour on the stem of her brain before Christmas. Fundraisers are now working to make true her dream of travelling to swim with dolphins.

Firefighters spent the day collecting money and passers-by were happy to contribute. Firefighter Allan Pattinson said: "We reckon we got £1,822.85 even though there didn't seem to be as many people about as normal. It is a brilliant response. I was talking to Peterlee fire station and all the watches there have donated £500 on top of that."