Walking on a bed of hot coals might not sound like the most popular way of raising money for charity.

But for a Nottingham Evening Post reporter it became the challenge of a lifetime and all for a good cause.

Nervous wait...

Katharine Barney (left) agreed to the dare to raise money for the children's charity When You Wish Upon A Star as part of the events at the Castle Wharf Weekender.

In the Evening Post, Katharine told readers: "It was a bit like a catwalk but with a lot less glamour. People screamed, shouted and cheered.

"But rather than sashaying slowly in the season's latest fashion, I hobbled rather inelegantly with my trousers rolled up to my knees."

"I will not lie. It hurt. Not a lot at the time, but I'm now struggling to walk and wondering whatever possessed me to do it and how I plucked up the courage."

Katharine revealed that the secret of her success was the two-hour training course during which the group of 50 "were taught the importance of confidence, body language and positive thought".

"Every one of us who walked on fire will now feel that we can accomplish anything," said Katharine.