MALVERN ambulance man Nick Dyson is burning with enthusiasm for a hot challenge set by St Richard's Hospice.

The 41-year-old ambulance technician has volunteered to take part in the hospice's charity Fire Walk on September 28.

He will walk with bare foot over a 20ft path of wood embers, burning at 1,236 deg F.

"If I can do this it will give me a real sense of achievement and it's an excellent cause. I'm hoping to raise a few hundred pounds in sponsorship," said Mr Dyson, who has been in the ambulance service for 11 years.

Not content with his own fundraising efforts, he has laid down the gauntlet at Malvern police and fire stations.

With his persuasion, police officers Sarah Nicholls and Tony Charity and counter clerk Alison Dore have already agreed to join him.

"My Dad died of cancer, so it's a cause I'm happy to support," said WPC Nicholls.

St Richard's community fundraiser Hilary Jones, who also plans to do the fire walk, said she was delighted they would be taking part.