New York firefighters teamed up with UK sporting greats in Bradford to help fight heart disease.

The two Americans teed-off in their own private duel with West Yorkshire firemen in a star-studded golf tournament aimed at raising £25,000 towards the cost of an ultrasound scanner for Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Mike Sofia and Chris Broughton, of the Engine 26 Manhattan Fire department were clearly a little disorientated: "I've visited London before but it's my first time in Manchester," said Chris.

But then he was sweating in yesterday's late morning heatwave at the Marriott Hollins Hall Hotel and Country Club in Shipley.

And he had been out for "a couple of pints" with members of the West Yorkshire brigade the night before.

"It was great to talk to British firemen," he said. "It's just like being with your family."

Chris and Mike were taking part in the Brian Close Golf Classic, along with former sporting captains of their countries such as Rugby League's Garry Schofield, amateur golf's Rodney Foster and soccer's Terry Yorath and Trevor Cherry.

The annual charity event, which gives golfing businessmen the chance to play alongside stars, is named after Yorkshire and England's Brian Close, who was also among the players.

He said he was pleased that the New Yorkers had been brought to the UK by Robert Kaliner, president of Kalpak USA, one of the tournament sponsors.

Robert said: "Many things have changed since September 11. People have become closer and more aware of their surroundings.

"They are looking to the positive and to events like this to take us to another level and make the world a better place."

Chris Broughton who, along with Mike, has put in a total of more than 50 years' service with the New York Fire Department, agreed.

"I served for 16 years at the World Trade Centre and was transferred out of there not long before 9/11," he said. "I knew all those guys and I'll never forget them. But events like this, meeting firemen from other countries, emphasises that we are all a family. We all save lives every day."

The Americans, like the rest of the people who had paid to play yesterday, were supporting the Heartbeat Appeal, which is raising £150,000 for the scanner at BRI.

Appeal chairman Alec Bloom said: "We are delighted that the New York firemen are joining lots of sporting heroes past and present for this year's celebrity golf fundraiser.

"The event will also be making a donation to the Twin Towers disaster appeal.''

The donation, expected to be about £4,000, was to be presented at a dinner taking place after the tournament.