A COLEFORD mum handed the clippers to a friend for a fund-raising haircut which has smashed its target.

Tasha Pickett, who is a trained hairdresser, agreed to the cut to raise money for Cancer Research in memory of her grandmother, Thelma Russell who died in June after being diagnosed with the disease.

The mum-of-three, who also works as a cleaner at the Forest of Dean District Council, had hoped to raise £150 but the haircut and other fund-raising efforts have already amassed around £1,000.

Tasha said: "My nan passed away because of cancer in June so I decided to raise money for Cancer Research."

Family and friends gathered at the home of Tasha and husband Terry in Tufthorn Avenue, Coleford on Sunday for the clipping.

She said: "It was a brilliant day but very emotional. We had loads of fantastic raffle prizes which local businesses had donated."

Tasha's 10-year-old son, Nathan, made the first cut and then it was over to her friend Kerry Teague.

"Later my daughter, Charley, washed my hair and kept on laughing because it felt prickly.

"Lilly, my youngest, wasn't sure about it at all."

Fund-raising efforts were also helped by collection tins around the area and a dress down day at the council offices.

Forest Council leader Cllr Patrick Molyneux said: "We all know she has been through an extremely sad time recently with the loss of her nan and it's great to see her doing something so positive in her memory. 

"We think her nan would be extremely proud of her."