THE Managers of Skipton Building Society's Barnoldswick and Colne branches got hot under the collar when they took part in the St John Ambulance Firewalk Challenge.

Sarah Mann, of the Barnoldswick branch, and Paul Schofield, from Colne, joined six colleagues from the Society's main Office and Keighley, Settle, Silsden and Skipton branches.

They took part in the shortest sponsored walk in the world, across 20 feet of wood embers burning at over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit last night.

Before the event, which took place at the St John Ambulance County Headquarters, in Thirsk, all participants faced motivational fear-busting seminars to give them the confidence to complete the walk unharmed.

Paul said: "Although a bit nervous, I was quite excited about the chance to do the firewalk, especially as it means raising vital funds for this very good cause.

"It might be the shortest sponsored walk in the world, but it was certainly the most memorable!"

Sarah added: "It was quite a scary thing to do but everyone was determined to complete the walk, especially as it was in aid of such a good cause."

Commenting on the event, David Sutton, Fundraising Director of St John Ambulance for North Yorkshire and Teesside, added: "Our public image means that we are often taken for granted, yet we receive no public funding.

"Every year, St John Ambulance must raise every single penny required for training volunteers and running ambulances and defibrillators, allowing us to help save lives.

"I am extremely grateful to Skipton Building Society for taking up the challenge and look forward to an enjoyable and successful day."