A HOOTON businessman who has been growing his hair for the past five years has had his locks cut off for charity.

Michel Monsellato, an account manager at Click Consult in Hooton, had the chop to raise money for Claire House Hospice and The Little Princess Trust, a charity that makes wigs for bald children who have lost their hair due to illness.

Astonishingly, Michel, whose tresses reached 30 inches long, didn’t even tell his family he was having it cut and his children have never even known him without long hair.

Speaking before he had the chop last Friday, Michel, who has raised more than £200, said: “I love having long hair and cutting it is going to be hard, but the fact that I can do this for two worthwhile causes makes it easier.

“Friends and colleagues are shocked that I am willing to go to this length as it has taken me five years to grow my hair long – and some have even said they will sponsor me not to do it!”

He added: “My wife is probably going to be the most shocked along with my children – I just hope they recognise me when I come home.

“I wanted to be a positive role model as everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer or a long-term illnesses, and this is my way of helping.”