Staff at Rowde Primary School are preparing to walk over hot coals to raise money for a swimming pool at the replacement primary school.

The school has organised a firewalk to be held on the evening of July 2. Headteacher David Ball took part in a firewalk held at Rowdeford School two years ago but is not taking part this time.

He said: "Having done it the last time it's very difficult to get sponsors the second time around.

"The firewalk at Rowdeford was a fantastic experience and the same company that organised it, Blaze, are organising this one. I didn't end up with a blister doing the firewalk. I have had worse pain walking across hot sand in the summer."

Mr Ball has been reassuring his colleagues that it is safe. The school's assistant head Sarah Beswick, teachers Kate Rodie and Rob Lakin and teaching assistant Laurie Waite are taking part.

So far 20 people have signed up and the school needs a minimum of 30 participants and each person has to pay a £25 deposit.

The last firewalk at Rowdeford raised more than £30,000 and Mr Ball hopes a large amount can be raised for Rowde School.

While work on building a new primary school in Rowde is due to begin in September a replacement swimming pool was not included in the plans.

The existing school has an outdoor heated pool and pupils made it clear they wanted a new pool on site.

Mr Ball said: "We wanted to put all the money into creating enough rooms and facilities for the pupils and there wasn't enough room in the budget for what some people regard as a luxury such as a swimming pool.

"But when we talked to the children about it they were so disappointed that there might not be a swimming pool so we decided to hold events to raise enough money for a replacement."

The cost of a basic swimming pool is estimated at £20,000 while another £10,000 would enable a temporary structure to cover it and for changing rooms to be built.

Anyone interested in doing the firewalk should contact the school on (01380) 723991.