A POLICEWOMAN came in for the chop this week to raise funds for a children's playground.

As the last golden lock fell from PC Vicky Coxon's head, she had not only brought in more than £1,000 in sponsorship but also completed half of a hair-raising family double act.

Vicky's father, Durham City councillor Stuart Walton, has himself made an unusual pledge in aid of Sherburn Oak (Outdoor Activities for Kids).

He established the charity last year to provide an outdoor playground and activity area for local youngsters.

Land next to Sherburn Sports Centre has already been earmarked for the project but the charity has to reach a target of £130,000 before work can begin.

While Vicky was having her head shaved Mr Walton has raffled his own barnet for 50p a ticket.

Whoever wins November's draw will be able to determine what happens to Mr Walton's head of hair.

It was when Vicky, who works for Centrex, the national police training centre at Aykley Heads in Durham, mentioned her father's fundraising scheme that colleagues persuaded her to take up a similar challenge.

Mother of two-year-old Imogen, Vicky, who has been growing her hair since the birth of her daughter, agreed to have it cut down to a grade 4.

But encouraged by the promise of more loot if she went down to grade 2 Vicky plumped for the bald look.

Her new hairdo made its first public appearance yesterday when she read out the names of police recruits attending their graduation.

Immaculately turned out in her uniform to the official function - it was just her hat which looked on the large side.