A QUARTET of brave male staff members at a food store are bracing themselves for a tear-jerking experience, all in a good cause.

But for Neil Gray, manager of the Somerfield branch in Hetton-le-Hole, on Wearside, the pain will all be self-inflicted.

For he came up with the suggestion that himself and male colleagues could raise money for the company's charity cause by undergoing a leg wax.

So far, three of the workers at the Front Street store have sheepishly volunteered to join him in the stunt.

Other, less courageous, male staff members are keeping their heads down in the hope of avoiding the painful ordeal.

Notices have been posted round the premises and a large turnout is expected to watch the men being waxed, near the store checkouts, on Saturday at noon.

Ashcroft's Tan, Tone and Beauty, of nearby Easington Lane, has volunteered one of its beauticians to add a professional touch to the leg waxing operation.

Sponsorship forms are circulating widely round the store with all proceeds from the event going to Somerfield's chosen charity, the Butterwick Children's Hospice Appeal.

Despite the worthy cause, Mr Gray is fending off suggestions that he goes one stage further and has his eyebrows removed.

To sponsor the men, contact Mr Gray and colleagues on 0191-526 3699.