A MAJOR new challenge event for Tavistock is being launched by ROC (Robert Owen Copmmunities) — a fire walk.

ROC, through a fire walk company, is to hold a fire walk in Bedford Square on the evening of Friday, December 20. This is the first time such an initiative has been staged in the town.

As its name suggests, a fire walk is a bare foot walk over red-hot wood embers measuring up to 800 degrees. No tricks, no special effects. Overcoming fear is at the centre of the experience – and the fire walk company has a 100% injury free record.

The first person to sign up was Simon Rowe, general manager of the Bedford Hotel.

Simon said: 'Fire walking is so much more exciting to raise funds for than running. Apart from attending a pre walk seminar — no hypnosis or similar techniques— no special preparation is necessary. It's all about taking the power away from fear. Once you've done it, there is really nothing stopping you! And there can be few more effective ways of team building.'

Nigel Eadie, proprietor of the Original Pasty Company is one of the event's co-sponsors.

Nigel said: 'Tavistock BID is supporting this event. It has a three month promotional plan in place geared to attract lots of people into the town on the last Christmas shopping day, including advertising on Plymouth FM radio. We want to share in the huge publicity this event will attract. With a light show, smoke machine and fire themed music – and the fire bed itself – this event will be quite a spectacle.'

ROC's fundraiser, Calvin Lovelock, said: 'Through personal sponsorship, ROC hopes to raise more than £5,000 from the fire walk. We ask each heroic volunteer to set themselves a minimum target of £150. We will support you every step of the way. There are only limited places available. The funds will support ROC Welcome Tavistock which is a social club for 60 local people with learning disabilities.'

For a fire walk information pack, simply visit http://www.roc-uk.org">www.roc-uk.org send an email to [email protected]">[email protected] or call Calvin on 07525 411 773. More corporate sponsors are also sought.

You can follow ROC on Twitter @roc_uk to bring you the latest news from the fire walk.