A POLICEWOMAN will walk barefoot over a bed of hot wood at Blackburn Lions Gala on Sunday to raise funds for a deaf charity.

PC Diane Mansell, of Great Harwood police, is one of 28 volunteers including soldiers and St John Ambulance men who will attempt the barefoot firewalk for the East Lancashire Deaf Society.

PC Mansell said: "I've never done anything like it before and I'm trying not to think about it until Sunday."

She decided to raise funds for the charity after taking taking part in a police deaf awareness course.

She has been studying sign language for a year at Accrington College and also attends a deaf club in Rossendale.

She said: "I decided to study sign language because it's handy to have someone in the force who can communicate with deaf people. I've already raised £100 for the ELDS and I'm trying to get more sponsors."

Charity campaigner Cassie Northam said only one person had dropped out - a pregnant woman whose doctor warned her against it.

The firewalkers will have motivational training for two hours before being led over the 20-foot-long bed of burning wood by profoundly deaf ELDS president Doug Alker at 9.30pm in Witton Park.

To sponsor PC Mansell, call Great Harwood police station on 01254 884800. Everyone from 18 to 80 is welcome to join in the event.

Firewalkers need to raise £75 or more through sponsorship. For an application form, contact Cassie on 01254 52620, fax 01254 693200 or textphone 01254 693200.

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