A FORMER mayor of Darlington has pledged to lose his long locks for charity.
Councillor Bill Dixon has not had his hair cut since he was in office as mayor three years ago.
Even then he only had a few inches cut off, but he has promised to lose his ponytail if The Giving Tree appeal can raise £20,000 by Tuesday, December 10.
The Giving Tree appeal, supported by The Northern Echo, asks Christmas shoppers to buy an extra gift and leave it at one of the collection points in Darlington. The presents will be distributed to deprived children in the town.
This year's collection points are: The Northern Echo offices in Priestgate; Alpha Radio in Woodland Road; Asda in Whinbush Way; and Matalan in Neasham Road.
Coun Dixon hopes his challenge will encourage more people to be generous.
He said: "People are always asking me when I am going to get my hair cut and I realised it could be a good way to raise more money for The Giving Tree."
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