A VOLUNTEER swapped his long hair for a close shave to raise funds for Ardgowan Hospice.

Ross Olding, who works at the hospice shop in Greenock's Nelson Street, had been growing his hair for more than 11 years but decided the time had come for a change.

His wife Cat suggested that he should lose his locks to raise money for a cancer charity.

Ross, 41, of Bay Street in Port Glasgow, said: "I thought I could raise some money.

"People have been very kind and we have had quite a few donations."

Cat says she was more anxious than her husband when the big day arrived at Hair International in Port Glasgow.

Ross was in the expert hands of hairdresser Linsey Hardy who plaited his long hair before snipping it off.

She then used an electric shaver to give him a clean cut look.

Ross said: "I feel as if I going to the army."

Cat was tearful as swathes of her husband's hair fell to the floor.

She said: "I felt a bit emotional, it was a bit strange."

Ross who has a step-son Owen, 14, wondered what the teenager would think of it all but he was very happy with his new look.

He said: "I was a bit nervous but I feel good.

"It will take me a wee while to get used to it.

"The good thing is it won't take me so long to get ready in the morning now."

Alex Mula, hospice events and fundraising co-ordinator, said: "He's a brave man!

"I used to have long hair when I was younger as well and it's a big change.

"It's great Ross has done this for the hospice."

If anyone wants to contribute to Ross' sponsorship fund they can pledge at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ross-olding