A YOUNG Coleford woman has carried out an act of sisterhood by shaving off her hair for charity.

Sam Austin, 21, decided to take the plunge in a bid to raise money for Cancer Research UK after her close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer last year at the age of 21.

Sophie Jones, from Essential in Lydney, did the honours at the Angel Hotel in Coleford at the weekend where more than £500 was raised.

Sam said: "Everything went really well. On the day we raised £500. I haven't got a total yet as I'm still waiting for sponsor money. The money is for Cancer Research; in 2013 a close friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 21. I also know others with terminal cancers, upon hearing the news I decided to shave my head as it is something I would not normally think about and I felt by doing this my friend would not feel as she was going through the ordeal alone."

There was also a tasty cake and sweet stall, face painting, sweepstake stall and a raffle all helping to boost the fundraising pot.