SWEETS factory worker Mike Bell used his head when managemenet ribbed him about his shoulder-length hair.

After repeated light-hearted requests to get it cut, he chewed over the idea before agreeing to do just that and raise money for Bury Hospice at the same time.

Now, Mike's hair-raising experience has raised £383 thanks to the sponsorship pledges of colleagues at the Adams factory in Dumers Lane. And he is hopeful that the company will match the sum, so doubling the amount.

Mike (52), who works in the factory's IT department, explained: "It all started out as a joke. One of my managers was always on at me to get my hair cut.

"This went on for several months and I would tell him to go away. In the end, I got fed up and said that if he got the people in the work to put their hands in their pockets for a local charity then I'd have my hair cut short."

In just 20 minutes, his long locks were shorn and now he sports a clean-cut style.

"I last had it cut about 21 months ago," he said.

"I had liked my hair long. I'm still trying to get used to the way it looks now. But I think I'll keep it like this."

His hair was cut by colleague Tammy Rowley. She works in the factory's wrapping department and is a qualified hairdresser.

Mike, who has worked at the Dumers Lane base for 31 years, added: "I think it's nice that people here are willing to dig deep and give money to a very worthwhile local charity."