Fundraisers will hot-foot it across burning embers to help victims of last year's devastating floods in Carlisle while attempting to break a world record.

Organisers are appealing for brave souls to take part in the event which will form the highlight of a special fun-day in the city to boost the flood appeal.

As part of it a bid will be made to break the Guinness World Record for the most people to walk on fire in one event. The record is currently held by an Australian scout group which had 608 people taking part.

It is almost a year since Storm Desmond hit Carlisle and other parts of Cumbria leaving houses and businesses underwater with many families left homeless and desperate.

Just days after the first anniversary of the floods on December 5 a unique event is being held to further help those who suffered.

'Hot-Stepping for Floods' will take place at Carlisle Rugby Club in Warwick Road which was at the heart of one of the worst-hit areas. The club itself was badly hit by the storms.

Organising the event is Colette McQueen who used her experience as a hypnotherapist and life-coach, to help families and businesses in the aftermath of Desmond.

Colette, who lives in Currock, has enlisted Fundraising Firewalking Association North - which is based in Carlisle - to run the event on December 10 and is looking for people to take part and businesses to sponsor it.

She said: "The more people we get the more money we make and the better chance we have of breaking the world record.

"It is part of a family fun day which will see lots of entertainment and stalls with face-painting for children and a host of other activities. There will be something for everyone.

"Then at 6pm we will have the firewalking. We want businesses, shops and individuals to come forward to take part and give us sponsorship."

Elio Garden, 47, who runs Fundraising Firewalking Association North, explained that the practice was perfectly safe.

"It is all mind over matter," he said. "As long as you follow the instructions you will be fine. It is all about timing and doing the walk at the optimum moment. It is just five steps and you are there.

Elio, who lives in Denton Holme, Carlisle, gives a motivational talk to all those taking part before they walk the coals.

To take part in the event or provide sponsorship contact Colette on 07468 566 725.