A THOUGHTFUL club member has raised more than £1,000 by shaving his head and beard.

Stephen Coiley, of Manningtree Rotary Club, grows his hair and beard every year in order to play the role of Father Christmas and bring cheer to families in Manningtree, Mistley, and Lawford.

But Stephen decided to have his hair shaved off in order to raise funds for ShelterBox.

The event took place at Fitness at Summers Park, in Lawford, where crowds gathered to cheer on Stephen as barber Tom Fader shaved his head and beard off.

A spokesman for the club, said: “Starting with his hair and moving on to his beard and finally removing both eyebrows, Stephen raised a fantastic £1,400.

“The money ensures families in disaster zones have a roof over their heads thanks to the work of ShelterBox providing boxes.”