CARING landlady Linda Price had a close shave, but all in the name of raising money for charity.

Staff at The Old Boar's Head, in Heap Bridge, Bury, tied the 49-year-old's hair into pig tails on Sunday (May 25) before spraying them with coloured paints and glitter.

And then punters at the pub bid in an auction to get scissor happy, and hack her blonde hair off, to help raise cash for Christie's Against Cancer.

Linda, who has been landlady at the pub since February 10, said: "It all started when I took over the pub and got chatting to some of the regulars. One of my customers told me she had recently been diagnosed with cancer and would need to undergo chemotherapy. She told me that her hair could fall out, so I told her I would lose mine with her.

"The charity has become a really big deal with us all at the pub. It's very close to our hearts."

Staff were overwhelmed by the response from drinkers, and managed to raise £187 from cutting the hair alone. And a further £80 was raised by a street collection outside the pub. Male customers didn't miss out on the action, and joined in the fun by having their legs and chests waxed.

Linda, who moved to Britain four years ago from New Zealand, is now busy arranging more events for the summer to help fund vital research and new equipment for the hospital.

Staff are planning a treasure hunt and barbecue during July and on Sunday, August 24, the pub will host a charity auction, where customers can bid for items donated by the public.

So far £2,067 has been raised by the pub for the charity, and Linda and her team now hope to boost the figure.

She said: "Unfortunately cancer is one of those things that has no boundaries. Everyone is touched by it. But we are hoping to raise more money in future with events. Since my partner, Michael and I arrived at the pub, the customers have been really friendly and welcoming, and it's great to see everyone get involved."

If you would like to donate items to the auction, contact Linda on 763 6736.