A BASINGSTOKE teenager had his long hair shaved off to raise money for two local charities.

Connaire Woodbridge had his brown hair, which nearly touched his shoulders, shaved down to a grade two in front of a crowd of pupils at Fort Hill Community School.

The 14-year-old was inspired to raise money for local charities Muffins Dream Foundation and Sebastian’s Action Trust after seeing the good work they have done helping his youngest brother and a family friend.

His brother Benjamin, four, was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome last year and has been supported by Muffins Dream Foundation.

Also the son of a family friend, five-year-old Isaac Halls, has the condition global development delay and has been supported by Sebastian’s Action Trust, which runs respite home The Bluebells, in North Waltham.

Connaire’s mum Anya Woodbridge, of Winklebury, said: “He’s had long hair for many years and I am really proud that he has done this of his own accord.

“Some of his friends told him they would pay to see him with a shaved head and he began to think about how he could raise money for charity.”

The head shave took place in the sports hall at the Winklebury school, and Muffins Dream Foundation founder Charlie Porter was on hand to help shave Connaire’s head, cheered on by around 50 pupils and staff.

A collection box was handed round to help boost the money raised to around £200, which will be split between the two charities.

Connaire said he had no regrets about going through with the head shave.

He added: “It did feel weird at first, and quite cold. But I’m now getting used to it and people at school are too – they’re no longer coming up and rubbing my head.”