A TEENAGER is to have his hair cut for the first time in three years, to raise money for charity.

Since his last cut in March 2006, Alex Biggs’ hair has grown to 18 inches in length.

A wash and dry takes the 13-year-old up to four hours to complete.

However, Alex, from Durham, is to face the scissors again to raise money for i-Connect, a North-East based charity which works with a community in Udaipur, India.

The teenager will visit Udaipur with his parents Andy and Isla, brother Harry, 11, and others later in July.

He said: "It’s been a bit hard. When people know me they generally don’t comment.

"In some ways I’ll be glad to see it go but in others it will be strange."

Alex’s date with the barber will be this weekend. He plans to have about 16 inches of hair cut off.

Alex is looking for sponsorship and hopes to raise £250.

The Durham Johnston School pupil has visited India once before, in 2004. He said he was looking forward to seeing old friends and visiting new buildings built with i-Connect money.

The charity has supported an Indian school, healthcare clinic and tailoring project, as well as helping British volunteers to travel to Udaipur to work on community projects.

To sponsor Alex, email: mark.speller@indiaconnect.org.uk