IT was a close shave for a team of staff at a Christchurch garden centre, who raised £5,500 for charity.

some 24 employees at Stewarts took part in the Brave The Shave appeal for Macmillan Cancer Support, and had their heads shaved by local hairdresser Tracey Carter from the Blades salon, for the cause.

Daring catering team member Peter Scott also had his legs waxed, while plant buyer Katherine Hunt donated her long locks to The Little Princess Trust, to be made into a wig for a child who has lost their own hair during cancer treatment.

Directors Martin Stewart and Terry Head also braved the shave that was organised by Christchurch centre manager Paul Hilliam after he announced he was all clear” after two major surgeries and embarking on an extensive course of radio and chemotherapy on his head and neck cancer.

Paul said: “I’m delighted that with this magnificent team effort we exceeded our original target of £2,000. We owe this to our friends, family and the great support of our customers who also joined in the fun and entered fundraising raffles and competitions on the day.”

Martin added that he was proud and inspired by the goodwill that the team and their support for this initiative to fund this vital charity: “It was a fun day for the team who are now working hard to prepare the centres for a range of Halloween and Christmas events which will support local charities."