When things get hot, Ross-on-Wye dad Pete Johnson has proved he can stand the heat.

The 48-year-old walked barefoot on hot coals to raise money for charity which supports young people with disabilities and learning difficulties in Hereford and surrounding areas.

Pete, who is head of commercial enterprise at National Star, was one of 69 brave souls to take part in a fire walk.

National Star Hereford was launched three years ago and is based on Harrow Road. It provides specialist further education for 13 young people, including work experience and relevant therapies such as physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.

Firewalking experts Blaze ran the adrenalin-fuelled event at the National Star campus in Cheltenham. After a motivational two-hour training session the brave souls walked 20ft over hot coals.

“I was terrified at the thought of it all if I am honest but in the end it was amazing,” said Pete.

“After the motivational talk you have so much self-belief you can tackle anything. It was just the best feeling after I did it.”

The fire-walkers’ efforts have raised more than £6,000 for the charity which supports young people with complex disabilities and more sponsorship is expected in the coming days.

National Star, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, is a national centre of excellence which enables young people with disabilities and learning difficulties to reach their potential.

National Star also runs supported internships in Hereford. The charity’s Steps Into Work internships at Wessington Court Farm, Woolhope, support people aged 16 to 25 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan into sustained work.

Each intern has a personalised programme and is supported by a tutor, job coach and host employer to help them achieve their aspirations.