A SCOUT leader with hair which rivalled the length of Rapunzel's has donated her long locks to charity.

Ruth Clark - who had not had a hair cut for 23 years - decided to have all 22inches of her brunette mane shaved off to help her scout group build a new base.

The mum-of-three said: "I did not cry but it was not a good feeling have my hair shaved."

Ruth's hair was cut by Helen Stockton, who the mum of one of her cubs.

She added: "I did not like the experience of having my head shaved, but it's so worth it as the money raised could not go to anything more worth while."

The Brantham cub scout leader, managed to raise more than £5,000 from the shave on October 5.

Ruth's money will go towards a £300,000 project for a new scout and guide hut.

The hut was built in the 1940s as a temporary measure, and is now run down and leaks.

The 52-year-old said: "I have been involved with the group since I was seven years old.

"I've been a brownie, a guide, a venture scout and I'm now a cub scout leader."

Ruth works as an antenatal teacher and lives in Brantham.

Her hair will be donated to Little Princess Trust to make wigs for children and young adults who have lost their hair to illness.

She has set up a fundraising page on Facebook.

To make a donation to the cause visit wonderful.org.