AT just 20ft, it may have been the shortest sponsored walk in the region ever - but then it was across a bed of red hot coals.

A total of 40 fundraisers put their heart and soles into a charity stunt for the Thirsk branch of St John Ambulance and, between them, raised about £10,000.

Supported by Leeming Bar employer Dalepak, and a 200-strong crowd outside the county headquarters, the participants braved a short trip over embers which reached temperatures of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

All survived the ordeal without a single blister.

St John Ambulance spokesman, David Sutton, said: "The whole evening was marvellous fun. The firewalkers came from all over North Yorkshire and Teesside to take part in this unique, spectacular event and have worked very hard to raise a magnificent amount in sponsorship."