Feeling the heat – but it was worth it

It was a baptism of fire for Gerry Clarkson, the leader of Ashford Borough Council, who suffered a burn walking across hot coals.

But the council leader, who was in a jovial mood following the daring dash, said he did not regret his five-metre firewalk, which he did on Saturday to raise funds for 1st Charing Scouts.

Mr Clarkson praised the Scouts for doing so much for the community, adding: “My firewalk experience was brilliant and it was a joy to be there and help Charing Scouts.”

More than £4,000 was raised in sponsorship by the 19 firewalkers who took part at Pett Lane, Charing, towards the building of a new Scout headquarters.

Mayor of Ashford George Koowaree also attended the charity fundraiser for the group.

Charing Scout hut was built in the 1950s and has no toilet, or kitchen and rainwater seeps through the walls.

Planning permission has been granted for a new building and leaders hope to enlist the support of residents and businesses to make the new home for Charing Scouts a reality.

Mr Clarkson, who burnt his left foot, was not the only one cooling his feet in buckets of cold water.

Organiser Terry Lister said: “A couple of firewalkers had minor sore feet, but everyone had smiles on their faces and enjoyed sipping champagne afterwards.”

To offer help with the building of a new hall visit www.facebook. com/1stcharingscouts or email gsl_charingscoutgroup@ hotmail.co.uk

Council leader Gerry Clarkson does the firewalk to raise money for Charing Scouts - and has to cool his feet in a bucket of water after suffering a burn

FM4438183 Scout Leader Phil Smith is cheered as he does the walk

FM4438181 Isabel Longley, nine, on the Lego version of the firewalk