Volunteers hauled over the coals

The volunteers, who are almost all novices, will embark on the 15ft walk over red-hot coals after just two hours training to prepare their bodies and minds.

Before the spectacle at Two Rivers at 7pm they will be taught how the sweat glands in their feet will go into overtime in anticipation of walking on the coals.

Vikki Radford, of Phillip Road, Staines, is one of the 10 guinea pigs who have already signed up to firewalk for the first time.

She said: "I am trying not to think about it to be honest. I am quite clumsy and very accident-prone and there is just the fear factor that I might fall over on the hot coals.

"The feeling of not having complete control is exciting because you are making your body do something it doesn't normally do.

"A couple of my friends have said they will do it too so they can't pull out now. We haven't chosen our charity yet but I am sure it will make an interesting talking point in the pub."

Each of the volunteers must raise at least £150 with £50 going to BLAZE, the company organising the event, £50 to Shopmobility and anything over £100 going to the charity of the fire walker's choice.

The idea came from Spelthorne chamber of commerce chairman Pauline Hedges who did a charity fire walk in 2006.

She said: "It's very dramatic and it's also so much fun. It should bring a bit if excitement to Staines on a Saturday evening - it could be quite a spectacle.

"When I did it I was very nervous and I kept thinking 'I can't let myself down'. It's mind over matter. If you think you can do it, you can do it."

Anyone interested in taking part can call Pauline on 01784 444204.