AMERICAN golf pros who played in the Dan Technology Senior Tournament of Champions at Mere during the weekend have saluted the soccer challenge to raise funds for the victims of the terrorist atrocities in New York.

The event on October 19 at the Manchester Evening News Arena is organised by the Manchester Evening News with the help of Greater Manchester Fire Brigade supported by private and public sector organisations in the city.

Bob Lendzion, from Las Vegas, said: ''I was watching it live when that terrible thing happened and non-one could have imagined that the buildings would have come down like that.

''There were something in the region of 300 firemen in the first one and more of their colleagues were rushing into the second one to get people out. It just gives me chills to think about it.

Fantastic effort

''Your newspaper's effort is fantastic. It really shows that you care and it means a lot.

''When Tony Blair came over to New York and took a look at everything it made me feel so good about England and all those people reaching out for us.''

Tommy Price, from North Carolina, said: ''I think it's fabulous the way everyone is banding together. There's no short term solution to what's happened and it's going to be with us for an awful long time but the charity aspect is unbelievable.

''Manchester people are obviously very generous and I'm pleased that the money will go directly to the families who are suffering.''

Alan Tapie, who has played regularly in Europe since making his first appearance in the Open at Royal Lytham in 1974, said: ''Anything that can be done for the firemen is tremendous and if you can reach your target then that will be a significant amount of money.

''My family is involved in helping to raise funds through a golf event and through our church. My wife has been looking after that side of it while I've been away but I'll get involved as soon as I arrive home.''

Pride

Jay Horton, winner of the Michigan Senior Open two years ago, said: ''I listened to Tony Blair's speech the other day and as an American I am really proud to see that England is taking a lead in this situation. Your effort is terrific and I hope they will fill the arena to overflowing.''

Jerry Bruner, from Los Angeles, who finished second at Mere, said: ''Any help the dependents can get for what they lost is great and although money helps it can never replace those individuals who died and what they meant to their families.

''But I think it is wonderful that so many people throughout the world are helping, especially the people of Manchester.''

Hank Woodrome was expecting to watch golf on television at his Californian home when the programme switched to live coverage from New York.

''It put life into perspective but people have been very sympathetic and highly concerned. As an American I would like to thank the people of Manchester for their generosity. It's wonderful what they are doing.''

Delight

Meanwhile Alan Halsal, who plays Tyrone in Coronation Street, has told of his delight at playing in the pre-legends match warm-up game … if selected!

Alan, 19, who is a former pupil at Walkden High School, said: ''Jack Duckworth is our team manager and he is a father figure in the programme so I should be alright. He sees himself as something of a Sven.

Warrington-based Alan, a former M.E.N. paperboy, added: ''As for me I dream that I play a bit like Andrei Kanchelskis so I might impress Fergie who is managing the legends later!

''Seriously, I am absolutely convinced Manchester and the whole of the North West if not the whole country will get behind this event.''

Also in the team will be Michael Le Vell (Kevin Webster) who has already helped the Greater Manchester Fire Brigade in sponsored events for the fund along with Sean Wilson, who plays Martin Platt and Ashley Peacock (Stephen Arnold).