A TEENAGER is a cut above after raising hundreds of pounds for charity by fighting his fears.

Aiden Baird, who has autism and suffers from sensory problems, hadn’t been for a haircut in more than two years.

The 14-year-old from Port Glasgow found the whole experience overwhelming and it left him stricken with panic.

Aiden got over his worries by visiting Elaine Campbell from Eclipse Hair Design for a number of weeks so she could help build up his confidence enough to have his hair cut.

His mum Gill said: “This was a really big thing for Aiden.

"He wouldn’t even set foot in a hairdressers before and now he has a brand new haircut and takes it all in his stride.

“Not only has his hair changed but he has - he has now been for a blood test and done other things that were previously a challenge.

"He is more confident in himself.”

Aiden said: “I had the longest hair in the house but I got a little bit off each week.

“I have gone from someone who hated haircuts to a totally new person.”

By his side every step of the way were his mum and his little sister Freya.

Freya said: “I’m very proud and I notice a change in him, his confidence has grown.

“Some people used to mistake him for my sister but not anymore."

Gill added: “Freya has supported Aiden the whole way through and he really is a new Aiden, he has come out of hiding.

“Elaine has been fantastic, she was so patient and nothing was too much trouble.

"We couldn’t have done it without her and can’t thank her enough.”

Aiden has benefited from the support provided by local charity Mind Mosaic and decided to use his hair cut to fundraise for them and give something back.

A fundraising page set up by Gill received £550 and donations handed in accounted for more than £280.

Aiden said: “I never thought I’d raise that much."

Gill added: “We'd like to thank everyone who has donated and supported us. The money will help the charity continue with their work.”