SEARING bursts of flame lit up the night sky over a Witney nursery school on Saturday as 34 intrepid locals braved 20ft of wood embers in a fundraising 'firewalk'.

The event at St Mary's Infant School saw parents, PTA members and residents as well as Sarah Grier and county councillor Laura Price traverse a carpet of hot wood embers burning at 670°C.

Experts from event organisers Blaze Firewalking were on hand to support the walkers.

Crowds turned out to cheer them on from the sidelines and enjoy food, a bar, a bouncy castle and stunning demonstrations from fire-eaters and jugglers.

Local parent Alan McKay, vice chairman of the school governors, said: "It was super. The company that organised it are tremendous in terms of safety and preparation.

"Before they let us anywhere near it they spent about two hours preparing us, and they were very present during the walk itself."

Participants were handed awards in recognition of their bravery by Robert Courts, the MP for Witney.

All funds will go towards the school's ongoing project to rejuvenate its playground. So far more than £13,000 has been raised. To donate visit tinyurl.com/mff58lp