A YOUNGSTER from west Dorset will lose his locks to raise money for a cancer charity.

Thorncombe St Mary's Primary School pupil Christopher Pruden, will brave the shave to raise funding for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 10-year-old will shave his head at the West Bay Angling Centre later this month to help raise funding for Macmillan nurses who care for people who are battling the disease.

He said: "I wanted to do the hair shave so that I can raise money for the Macmillan nurses because the government won't give the nurses enough money.

"I wanted to support and help people who are dying with cancer.

"My nan has lost two best friends in the last year due to cancer, my nan's sister has bowel cancer, my nan and auntie have had cancer and beaten it. Nearly everyone I know has been affected by cancer."

Christopher's mum Nicola Pruden said she will miss her son's hair, but was very proud of what he is doing.

She said: "He has never had clippers before so I think he is a bit nervous.

"His school is not overly happy about him shaving his head, but it's for a great cause and it will grow back.

"I am extremely proud of him, but I'm a bit nervous because I love his long hair. A lot of my family have been affected by cancer and it's a really good cause and we hope people will support him.

"He has got a £500 target that we wanted to reach, but by the first afternoon, he had already managed to raise £115 - so hopefully he can raise a good amount of money for them."

Christopher will have his head shaved at the West Bay shop at 4pm on Friday, April 29.

Tom Marley from West Bay Angling Centre was keen to support the charity after Macmillan cared for his dad, Steve Marley, before he lost his battle with cancer.

Tom said: "We love to be involved in charity events and it should raise a bit of money for a very good cause.

"I lost my father about three years ago and Macmillan helped us through it and really assisted with everything.

"If people would like to donate to this cause, they can pop down to the shop where we have sponsorship forms."

To donate to Christopher's brave the shave, please visit bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/christopher-pruden.