Daring charity champs will literally walk over hot coals next month in a bid to extinguish fears over a funding shortage.

Volunteers from Home-Start Chorley will be hot footing it to take part in a fire walk where they will endure extreme temperatures underfoot.

The charity has been fighting for local families for years, but with Lotto funding due to run out this month, they now find their operation flickering.

Desperate for funds and unwilling to let down the 500 children they supported last year, charity chiefs decided to host the 'walk on coals' event.

The brave fundraisers will walk across 20 feet of searingly hot embers.

But first they will undergo a motivational training session to help them gear up for the soaring temperatures.

Carole Lee, senior organiser, said: "People doing the walk will go through a motivational psychology fear buster seminar called Learn to Burn before they can walk unharmed across the 20ft of wood embers burning at 1236 degrees.

"We are worried about the funding issue, but part of my role is to try to secure funds for us to continue, and at the moment we have several irons in the fire so to speak."

Organisers say volunteers can expect to find out what an empowering, inspirational and horizon-expanding experience fire walking is.

The fire walk is expected to spark interest in the charity while organisers secure funds elsewhere.

Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Trust and Lancashire County Council have promised some funds but much more is needed to keep the charity alight.

Home-Start Chorley, which is based in Lord Street, has worked on behalf of hundreds of local families over the past nine years need local volunteers help to spark awareness and invigorate much needed funding for their work. The event will take place at St Joseph's Club, Harpers Lane, Chorley, on Friday, February 10.

Fiery volunteers ready to fan the flames of goodwill are desperately needed. If anyone is interested in taking part and can raise at least £100 of sponsorship for Home-Start's local families then contact their team on 01257 241636.