IT was a case of hair today - gone tomorrow, when Ali Besent shaved her head for charity.

More than £1,000 was raised for Youth Cancer Trust through the gesture, which will support the Bournemouth charity's work in providing activity holidays for young people living with cancer.

Mum-of-two Ali, 35, from Ansty, said: “I wanted to shave my head to help boost awareness of the issues a young person might go through when being treated for cancer. One of the side effects of chemotherapy can be hair loss which I can only imagine is part of such a difficult time for anyone let alone if you are young.”

The head shave took place at the Fox Inn in Ansty, where Ali works part-time, with a crowd of supporters and friends who have helped Ali with her fundraising efforts.

Philips sponsored the head shaver.

Georgina Hillman from the Youth Cancer Trust said: “Ali has raised a fantastic amount of money for the charity and has sponsored two young people from the South West to enjoy a support holiday at the Youth Cancer Trust.

“It is important to increase awareness of cancer and the effects of cancer treatment in young people to ensure they receive support.”

Charity Road Trips and the Youth Cancer Trust need more people to take part in a mass head shave in spring next year to beat the Guinness World Record.

If you are interested in taking part to help raise money visit charityroad trips.org/events-2012/a- close-shave/