A HAMPSHIRE man stuck out his chest for an Eastleigh charity - as people ripped off clumps of his hair with wax strips.

Roger Collins spent a morning stripped to the waist in a yard at Hampshire Riding Therapy Centre, near Fair Oak while visitors paid to tear strips of hair from his upper body.

The horseplay raised £500 towards the cost of a vital £15,000 horsebox desperately needed by the centre - that helps special needs children - after its old box had to be taken off the road.

Local beautician Amy du Toit was on hand to show waxers how to do it properly and as painlessly as possible - however Roger's screams of pain only encouraged delighted children to disregard Amy's advice and he ended the day with a lobster complexion.

Roger said: "I'm not sure I'd do that again but it was worth it for the horsebox represents the centre in a variety of ways and allows the children to compete away from the centre."

Kerie Coutts, founder of the centre, said: "We are extremely grateful to Roger for this event as the horsebox is very important to all the children.

"Raising the self-esteem and self-confidence of the special needs children attending here is very important to us and competition helps us with that aim.

"The horsebox provides an invaluable support to the therapy."

To help raise cash for the box contact Kerie Coutts on 01962 777714.