IT was a case of no pain no gain for a hirsute North-East man as he grimaced his way through a full body wax to raise money for charity.

Louis Franklin, from Darlington, grinned and bared it as his sister-in-law and beautician, Leander Franklin, got to work on his legs, back, chest, arms and armpits.

The 26-year-old underwent the painful procedure at Darlington’s Era 21 Plus beauty salon in memory of 17-year-old Chelsea Alsop.

The former Longfield Academy student died last summer following a three year battle against Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

During the wax, watched by his partner Sian Creighton, he said: “On a scale of one to ten, the pain is 11. It is the worst pain I have ever felt.

“It feels like Cristiano Ronaldo is constantly kicking a ball at your bare body, but it is all for a good cause, as Chelsea went through much worse than what I’m going through.

“I haven’t done anything for charity before, so this is the best thing I have ever done.”

Mr Franklin has so far raised more than £700 for the Ewing Sarcoma Research Trust in memory of Chelsea, who was a family friend.

“I just want to thank everyone who has sponsored me and to Joanne for letting us do it here free of charge,” he added.

“I’d also like to wish Chelsea a happy 18th birthday for next Friday – rest in peace.”

To donate to his fundraising, call in to the salon on Hollyhurst Road, Darlington.

A fundraising ball is also being held this Friday (January 23) at Hall Garth Hotel, near Darlington, to celebrate Chelsea’s 18th birthday.