Morning all

We have an inset gas fire with a tiled hearth. I don't like the colour of
the hearth and want to change it but it's going to be difficult to replace
the tiles without taking the gas fire out and replacing (an expensive
business since it's not long been fitted). Would it be safe to paint the
hearth and if so what type of paint should I use? bearing in mind it's near
a fire and also needs to be very tough finish so that it doesn't get chipped
or scratched.

TIA

Lu