PUB regulars swapped their pints for hair removal cream when they agreed to have their legs waxed to raise cash for their football team.

Drinkers at the Punch Bowl Inn, Roman Road, Darwen, faced an eye-watering choice of leg, chest or back waxing.

They were raising money for the pub football team and a children's hospice.

All the waxing was done by barmaid and trainee beautician, Sarah Carlisle, 27 -- who had never done waxing before!

She used traditional hot wax and paper strips to turn the men from beasts to beauties.

Landlady Sheila Rainford, 47, shared in the pain of her punters from behind the bar. She said: "Ouch is all I can say. The idea for the challenge just snowballed from the original team deciding how to raise money for football to a full pub event. At least it's all for a good cause."

First man for the hair raiser, who admitted being really nervous, was Bryn Postlethwaite, 25, of Roman Road, Darwen.

He said: "I have always been used to having hairy legs so we'll just have to see if this becomes my new thing! I wanted to go first because I could not stand watching everyone else in pain."

Bryn was left hoping that his leg hair would grow back for a forthcoming holiday in Tenerife.

For Bill Porter, 50, of Coniston Drive, Darwen this charity stunt is the second time he has shed hair for the benefit of others.

He said: "I had my moustache shaved for charity last time having grown it for 30 years. My leg hair has been there 50 years but I doubt it will take that long to grow back!"

Landlord Harry Plumbley, 47, had his back waxed.

The pub team hopes to raise in excess of £500 to pay for a new kit as well as donating half the takings from the night which included a raffle and quiz to Derian House Children's Hospice in Euxton, near Chorley.

The team is currently fifth place in the third division of their local pub league.