LONG hair grown over 29 years was cut off for a very good cause.

Carly Sanders began using the free services offered by the Wessex Cancer Trust Support Centre in Newport after receiving a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Knowing her treatment would involve chemotherapy, and would likely mean the loss of her hair, Carly made the decision to shave her head before it happened, and raise money for the charity.

She used the shave as an opportunity to organise a fundraiser and set up a JustGiving page where people could donate.

The event was organised at The Castle Inn in Newport with the help of owner Simon Cant, and included the hiring of Isle of Wight DJ, Dave Wiltshire.

The night exceeded expectations, with support being so great that while friends and family filled the pub, further crowds cheered from the pavement outside.

Many members of the biker community came to support avid biker Carly.

Carly recently visited Wessex Cancer Trust to total up the takings. With the help of Newport venues, The Castle Inn and Slug and Lettuce, Carly raised a staggering £4,821.53.

Laura Haytack, the charity's regional fundraising manager, said: "We’re blown away by Carly’s kindness and the generosity of those involved in her head shave.

"This money is going to make a huge difference to allow Wessex Cancer Trust to continue to provide free and local support to those that need our services.”