AN oil painting depicting the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11 will soon be winging its way to the United States as a fitting tribute to the bravery of the New York Fire Service.

Christine Harrigan, a student at Warrington Collegiate Institute, decided to paint the picture after being emotionally stirred by a press photograph which showed three firemen hoisting the American flag from the debris of the World Trade Centre.

Christine was so moved by the harrowing news footage surrounding the terrorist atrocities that she felt compelled to compose a lasting and fitting memento to the sterling work of the New York emergency services.

Christine said: "I feel that a fitting place for the painting is the New York Fire Department. I was compelled to paint the scene as I felt it represented perfectly the bravery of those determined to rise above adversity.

"The lasting image of the raising of the Stars and Stripes flag from the rubble, so soon after September 11, speaks volumes about the patriotism and spirit of people beginning to rebuild their lives after such tragedy."

Tutor Harry Osborne said: "Christine has been a pleasure to teach. I am really impressed with her work.

"I was keen to put the painting on show at the Museum Street campus and everyone who has seen it has been touched by its magnitude."

Plans are currently being made to post the painting to the New York Fire Service.