A LYDNEY woman has braved the chop to help people with hair loss.

Christine Worthy says she has been "blessed" with long, thick hair all her life and wants to give something back to those who have lost their hair.

Hairdresser Louise Hoare, at Hairways Salon in Lydney, took scissors to the 58-year-old on Friday in aid of the Alopecia Society.

Christine said: "The society appeals to me as it is giving something back. I'm going off to China to live with my daughter until September, and when I return I'll ask people to sponsor me to grow my hair long enough to have it cut again to raise funds for Lydney Hospital.

"I am a volunteer at the hospital and so know first-hand the work that happens there."

Alopecia is a hair-loss disease that affects men, women and children. The cause is unknown but it is accepted it is a problem with the immune system.