TAVISTOCK Pannier Market has become the newest sponsor of the town's festive Fire Walk in aid of ROC Welcome Tavistock, a social club for people with learning disabilities.

The pannier market joins the Original Pasty House, South West Fire Alarms and Tavistock Chamber as co-sponsors of the event, which is also being supported by the Bedford Hotel.

The fire walk is being held in Bedford Square on Friday, December 20.

Duane Carruthers, market manager, said: 'The pannier market is proud to support such a good cause and an event which will draw many late night shoppers to the market. I wish all the brave volunteer fire walkers — especially our market traders — the very best of luck.'

Jane Carpenter of Janes Cakes, Brett Kinsman Daw of ABC Service and Julia Edmonds from 'Just Ju' are all planning to take part in the Fire Walk as well as ROC Welcome Tavistock's manager Debbie Newcombe. 

Jane Carpenter said: 'Many of ROC's club members come into the market. We are glad to offer them our support in this way.'

Brett Kinsman said: 'Charity begins at home — you can't get much more local than ROC's Tavistock social club for people with learning disabilities.'

Julia Edmonds commented: 'The fire walk is such an exciting and unusual challenge — it will really add to the atmosphere of the town's last late night shopping day. I'm really looking forward to it.'

On behalf of ROC and co-organiser Tavistock BID, Debbie Newcombe said: 'This event will be quite a spectacle — with a smoke machine, light show and PA system pumping out fire themed music.

'I hope lots of people from the area will come and offer us their support on the big night and make our efforts count by sponsoring us. If anyone has not quite made their mind up whether or not to take part themselves, please do get in touch with Calvin.'

Participants can still sign up to walk bare foot over red-hot wood embers measuring up to 800 degrees.

For information about the event or to volunteer, visit http://www.roc-uk.org/">www.roc-uk.org/ firewalk or call Calvin Lovelock, ROC's fundraiser, on 07525411773.