IT was a hair-raising experience that saw one Hampshire man shed his ageing rock-star image to raise hundreds for charity.

Gary Millard summoned all his courage to face the chop of his long flowing hair. With help from hairdresser Rick, from the Head salon, Gary’s long locks were gone within minutes, leaving him reaching for a woolly hat.

And thanks to the generosity of friends and family, the 44-year-old’s drastic make-over has so far raised more than £1,200 for the Rainbow Centre in Fareham, which supports youngsters with cerebral palsy.

Gary said: “As I stepped onto the balcony I felt as though I was stepping up to the gallows and my hangman was Rick.

“In just a few minutes Rick held my hair aloft like a triumphant Apache who had just scalped one of his victims. Yussef the barber then rounded things off with a superb display of skill using a cut-throat razor. I was completely bald, beard and all. Wow, it was cold.”

If you would like to donate to Gary’s fundraising effort visit justgiving.com/garymillard.