TEN intrepid young leaders at Blackburn Youth Zone are the first brave soles to sign up for a fundraising firewalk next month.

They have committed to take part in a daredevil challenge which it is hoped will raise at least £10,000 for the Lancashire Telegraph-backed Teen Leaders appeal.

The appeal aims to raise £60,000 to train and develop a further 100 young leaders at the youth zone.

The existing young leaders who work with youth zone members and undertake projects within the community signed up for the firewalk immediately They said: “The youth zone has become an important part of our lives and it is only right that we should get involved and try and raise money for the appeal.

“We want other people to raise money so we need to set an example. Before the youth zone there was nothing for young people in Blackburn.

“With more young leaders there is so much we could do within the community as a whole.”

The firewalk, on Wednesday, March 5, will be the first major fundraising event for the Teen Leaders appeal.

Firewalk organiser Laura Jones said: “Readers may remember we held our first Firewalk last year and it was so successful we decided to bring it back in 2014 in aid of the Teen Leader appeal.

“It’s an event that anyone over the age of 16 can take part in and full training is provided on the night. We want at least 100 people to take part, each pledging to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship and we hope to raise £10,000.”

The firewalk will involve walking barefoot across a 15-foot long path of burning embers where temperatures reach 600 degrees Laura said: “To sign up, just give me a call on 01254 292000 or go to our website to reserve your place.”