Ref. 12567/01 FUNDRAISERS from all across North Wiltshire have already swelled the Lydia Cross Appeal fund to its current £7,800 but the question now being asked is: would you walk over hot coals for the plucky three-year-old?

The Mill House pub in Bath Road, Chippenham, which has made Lydia the beneficiary of a whole year of fundraising, is organising a sponsored Fire Walk on June 4 and the hunt is on for individuals and teams of people to take part.

Run by professional firewalking organiser, Blaze, the event will take place throughout the evening of June 4, with registration at 6.30pm, followed by a seminar on firewalking in safety.

As the name suggests, entrants will walk across hot wood burnings 20 feet of them.

Entrants must raise at least £60 to take part.

Of course the Gazette will be fielding a team.

And Mill House manager, Sally Borgman, 30 and her staff will also be braving their tootsies for the great cause.

"We're hoping that lots of Gazette readers will come forward and take part," she said.

Lydia's father, Tony Cross, 34, has also volunteered to take part and Lydia will be watching.

Sponsorship and registration forms are available at the Mill House.

Cheques made payable to the Lydia Cross Appeal can be sent to Debbie Waite at 31 Market Place, Chippenham, SN15 3HP.

Cash and cheques can be deposited into the appeal account at the High Street, Chippenham branch of Lloyds. Just quote sort code 30-91-99 and account number 3091761.