THE long locks of a Tavistock man were lopped off for charity recently in front of many young eyes.

After three years of growing his hair, Adam Holland, who works as a mealtime assistant at Tavistock Primary School and also works at Pillars Newsagents, decided to have his hair chopped off to raise money for Derriford Hospital's Neonatal Care Unit and the Brathay Hall Trust.

He said he started growing his hair in memory of his sister, Poppy, who suffered with Edward's syndrome and died at just five days old.

With hair almost down to his elbows, Adam sat in Tavistock Primary School's hall in front of the Year 1 and 2 pupils to have his hair shaved off by a hairdresser from The Works.

Adam said: 'The kids have known me since they started school so I thought I would let them watch. They certainly did enjoy it.

'The parents and teachers all donated money and along with other donations, so far I have raised more than £170. It feels great raising money for such worthwhile charities.'

Adam will be splitting the money raised between Derriford's Neonatal Care Unit, who looked after Poppy, and the Brathay Hall Trust which works with many vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people in the UK, to help them develop the skills, confidence and motivation to make positive choices in their lives.

Adam is raising money for Brathay Hall Trust as last year he became world record holder of the Brathay 10 marathons in 10 days challenge.

'I will be doing the challenge again this year. I think people expect me to beat last year's record so I will definitely try.'

Now sporting short hair Adam said: 'I want to say a big thank you to everyone at Tavistock Primary School, and to Tanya from The Works for cutting my hair. I've been getting lots of comments saying that I look younger.'

Adam will be running the 10 marathons in 10 days challenge on May 6.

Anyone who would like to support him and give a donation can do so on his Just Giving website at http://www.justgiving.com/10in10recordtango">www.justgiving.com/10in10recordtango