DAREDEVIL volunteers are being asked to come forward for a dramatic fundraising event taking place next month.

Dozens of brave souls are being challenged to walk barefoot over hot coals during the annual fire walk, in Durham City.

At just 20ft long, the specially-laid out course in the Market Place may be the shortest sponsored walk in the world - but each step is over hot embers.

Volunteers undergo a two-hour motivational talk to get them "fired up" for the challenge.

The annual event, organised in conjunction with Durham City Forum and the Durham Marketing Initiative, is being staged for the fourth time and is expected to raise thousands of pounds for the St Cuthbert's Hospice, based in the Merryoaks area of the city.

So far, ten volunteers have come forward and another 20 are needed before the event takes place on Wednesday, October 26.

Among those who have taken part in the past have been the Bishop of Jarrow, the Right Reverend John Pritchard, who said: "I would recommend it to anyone interested in mind over matter or exercising their faith."

Hospice manager Margaret Jefferson said: "It is a really popular event. It is good fun and the volunteers get a lot of kudos and street cred once they have done it."

Everyone who takes part will receive a fundraising pack, a bright orange T-shirt to mark the occasion - and survivors will receive a certificate of achievement.

Registration takes place in the Town Hall from 6pm and the walk takes place at 8.30pm. For a fundraising pack, ring the hospice on 0191-386 1170.

Earlier this year, St Cuthbert's launched its Key Appeal, to celebrate its 18th birthday by opening a new ten-bed unit offering round-the-clock specialist care for terminally-ill patients.

The hospice needs to raise £3.2m to build the extension. So far, they have brought in a remarkable £1.9m but launched the appeal, backed by The Northern Echo, to raise the final £1.3m.