UP to 35 hardy volunteers will walk over a bed of burning coals for charity tonight.

St Cuthbert's Hospice is staging its third fundraising firewalk, in the Market Place, Durham, at 8.30pm.

Participants will have to cross 20ft of burning coals in what is considered a challenge of mind over matter.

Those taking part in the firewalk include Durham accountant Alan Ribchester and Northern Echo reporter Gavin Engelbrecht.

They will all undergo a two-hour motivational course before the walk.

The event will also feature fire-jugglers, a bed of nails exhibition and music from Horseplay.

Last year, the Bishop of Jarrow, the Right Reverend John Pritchard, joined 29 volunteers for the challenge.

They raised several thousand pounds, and organisers hope to exceed that this year.

Funds will be used to provide palliative care for people with life-threatening illnesses in the area