A CHARITY firewalk may have raised as much as £5,000 towards a hospice's annual running costs.

Durham City accountant Alan Ribchester, who is the auditor of St Cuthbert's Hospice, was among the 32 volunteers who stepped across hot coals in the city's Market Place.

Mr Ribchester, who donned a dinner jacket and shorts for the occasion, raised £2,150 for the hospice, which looks likely to be the biggest individual donation.

The hospice, based in Park House Road, Merryoaks, has held firewalks for the past three years. Hospice community fundraiser Michele Woods said: "Alan did very well. He wrote to his clients for sponsorship and they were very generous.

"They sent cheques ranging from £10 to £200.

"About 32 people took part in the event compared to 29 last year and 22 in the first year.

"It has become easier to get people to take part, partly due to the Press coverage.

"We are hoping that the total profits for the event will be £5,000, which is a little bit down on last year."