REGULARS at the Forresters Arms, St James's Close, Haslingden, got to let their hair down-- but not in the usual way.

Plucky volunteers submitted themselves to the will of the crimpers of Cappelli hair design, Deardengate, to raise money for charity.

Around 20 punters had their heads shaved to raise cash for Lee Sykes National Centres, a charity dedicated to helping children disabled by Cerebral Palsy.

This is the third time the pub has held a sponsored head shave and landlord Ray Mill is hoping to beat last year's total of £1,440.

The event was organised by Ray's wife, June, who said: "This charity spends 100 per cent of any money raised directly on the kids, so we thought it was a really good cause.

"The treatments they use are unique and have great results."

Last year the pub raised money for a school for children with learning difficulties and the year before donations were sent to the Holly Carpenter Trust Fund.

£500 has already been raised and collecting will continue, through various events until April.

Harry Grady, 55, of West View, was having his head shaved for the first time. He said: "I have never had my hair this short in my life, I usually visit the hairdressers only once a year."

So what was the new haircut like? Will he be keeping it? "It's cold, too cold. No way."

Mick Eslin, 40, of Grane Road, Haslingden, has been growing his hair since Christmas in preparation for the day.

He said: "I've done it in the past, for the pub's fund raisers.

"It's all in a good cause, so why not?"

Ray and June are hoping to present the money to the Lee Sykes National Centres at a presentation in April.