A COUNCIL officer offered up his head to help with fundraising for a mayor's charity.

Hugh McShane, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's social policy officer, was guaranteed a civic reception after he agreed to have his head shaved.

Mayor Vilma Collins was promised the first snip as his colleagues gathered at Eston Town Hall to watch.

Mr McShane said: "I wanted to help the mayor's charity and thought this would be a novel way of doing it. I must admit I'm having second thoughts now, but I've got lots of support from family, friends and colleagues - and I've invested in a balaclava."

The money will be divided between Redcar and Teesmouth lifeboats, St John Ambulance and other local groups.