FOOTBALL fans often claim they would walk through fire for their favourite club.

Now York City supporters are being offered the chance to do so, quite literally, writes Dave Stanford.

A fundraising firewalk is being organised at Bootham Crescent by the Yorkshire-based events solutions company Exclusive Events on Saturday, June 28.

Fiona Sidwell, chief executive of Exclusive Events, said: "As a York company, we are keen to help our local football club and this event will raise much-needed funds for the coming season in an original way.

"Having said that, anyone taking part can raise money for the charity of their choice. It does not have to be for City."

She added: "A firewalk does sound daunting, but we have staged a number of similar events before and they have been tremendous successes, as well as being extremely safe.

"Full training is given by a highly-experienced firewalker and there is no danger of any mishaps.

"At our last event all the 25 walkers thoroughly enjoyed themselves and felt extremely empowered and proud of themselves."

The firewalk will begin at 1pm and finish at about 6pm. Refreshments will be provided at the York City Social Club and all firewalkers will be fully insured by Exclusive Events.

If you are interested in taking part in the City Firewalk, contact Fiona on 01904 692662 or e-mail info@exevents.com

The entry fee of £50 covers training, insurance, refreshments, lunch and T-shirts.

Updated: 11:41 Thursday, June 19, 2003