IT will certainly be a cooler Yule for Clare Callaway after the 44-years-old shaved her hair off for charity.

Mrs Callaway of Hallow, Worcester, who works in the houseplant department of Webbs garden centre at Wychbold, had her long locks cut off in front of staff and customers to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research. She aims to raise awareness of the devastating illness following the life-changing diagnosis of a brain tumour in a close family member.

Mrs Callaway has already raised more than £3,120 from family and friends. Her hair is being donated to the Little Princess Trust, a charity which provides real hair wigs for children who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

She said: "People have commented on how brave I am to have my head shaved. The reality is the truly brave people are the ones who have to endure the invasive surgery and painful treatments, and who have to face a life considerably changed or shortened, because of a brain tumour. The shocking truth is brain tumour research receives less than one per cent of the national spend on cancer research, despite more children and adults under 40 dying of a brain tumour than from any other cancer. I hope to raise at least £2,740 - enough to fund a day of research - in order to continue this vital and potentially life-saving work which will improve the outcome for everyone diagnosed with a brain tumour so that they may lead a long and full life."