Some of Sutton’s political heavyweights were dragged across hot coals on Tuesday night as they raised money for St Raphael’s Hospice by taking part in a firewalk.

Paul Burstow MP, council leader Sean Brennan and mayor councillor Margaret Court took part in the event at the Civic Offices, enduring temperatures of up to 760C (1,400 fahrenheit).

Mr Burstow said: “Fortunately I managed to avoid any burns or ‘fire kisses’ as they were called during the motivational talk.”

Keith Witham, director of fundraising at St Raphael’s, said: “We hope to have raised somewhere in the region of £5,000.”

Councillor Brennan said: “It was just an amazing, exhilarating experience.

“St Raphael’s Hospice is an excellent cause and we are very supportive of the work it does.

“I’m delighted so many people took part in the firewalk to raise much needed funds for the mayor’s charity.”

You can contribute to Mr Burstow’s firewalk fundraising effort at just giving.com/Paul-Burstow-MP.