Despite blustery winds and cold air there was little chance of cold feet as 35 people lined up to walk on hot coals in Norwich.

The charity fundraisers had been whipped up by motivational trainer Tosin Ogunnusi and they were all ready to take on their challenge.

Among them was former Norwich City star Darren Huckerby, who followed the trainer along the burning hot coals under the shadow of The Forum.

All of the rest followed one by one across the firewalk to screams of delights from fellow walkers and the crowd that had gathered on Thursday night.

The age of the walkers varied greatly, as did the causes, with people taking part for a variety of different charities including The Norwich Basket Brigade, Red Balloon, St Faiths Pre School and Hardingham Pre School.

The event was organised by Mr Ogunnusi, who decided to mark his 39th birthday by putting on the walk for free.

Mr Ogunnusi, who is based in Norwich, travels across the country with the Think! Training and Consultancy Team to put on firewalks.

He said: 'I normally don't celebrate my birthday but thought I would to help give something back to local charities.'

Before taking on the challenge, Mr Ogunnusi gave a talk to inspire them and put them in the 'right state of mind to do it'.

He then shouted 'are you ready?' and 'can you do this?' before he led the way.

He said that the coals were 1,500C before they started walking on them and 900C by the time the last person had completed the challenge.

He added that in his years of holding events everyone had always completed the walk. 'I've never lost one yet,' he said.

Mr Huckerby, who had been invited along by Mr Ogunnusi, with whom he plays football, said: 'It was all right. As soon as you get going it's over in five seconds.'

Don't miss the exclusive serialisation of Darren Huckery's autobiography starting in Monday's Evening News.

Are you organising an event for charity? Contact reporter Richard Wood on 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk

photo: STEVE ADAMS