The first of 100 firefighters who have been offered free holidays on the Island should be arriving in the next few months, Tourism Minister David Allen said.

Bermuda has issued ‘Heroes Certificates' offering a free trip to the Island to 100 of the men and women who worked at the World Trade Centre in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Mr. Allen said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office was handling the distribution and the first few had been issued, although he was not sure exactly when they will arrive.

Hotels are offering free rooms, the Ministry of Tourism is paying for air fares and Island businesses such as the Little Venice group are preparing parties for the firefighters.