THE leader of the borough council braved the shave on his birthday last week, raising £700 for charity in the process.

Councillor Phil North lopped off his locks, which he admits had become “increasingly unruly” with barbers closed during lockdown, in aid of the maternity unit at Andover War Memorial Hospital.

His wife, Cllr Kirsty North, did the honours and gave him a grade 2 all over hairdo as they live-streamed the event on Facebook.

Cllr North said: “The NHS, and everyone who works for it, have been absolute heroes throughout the coronavirus crisis.

“Due to lockdown and the absence of any open barbershops, my hair was becoming increasingly unruly, so I decided to brave the shave and raise some money for the Hampshire Hospitals Charity at the same time.

“I’d already raised £400 before the shave but the livestream really took off and the total ended up at the £700 mark – so thank you to everyone who donated.”

Chief Executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Alex Whitfield said: “Well done to Phil. We really appreciate his fundraising efforts.

“The money will go to the Andover War Memorial Hospital for the continued development of the Alan Gardener Unit into an Andover Maternity Hub - that has room for all the core services but will also provide space for scanning, breastfeeding support, antenatal education and stop smoking services all under one roof."

Cllr North added: “As someone who has experienced the maternity services at Andover hospital in last 12 months, I know what a fabulous job the midwives do. I also know that the continued upgrade to buildings to help facilitate those services is very much needed so what better way to mark this moment in time than to raise funds for a unit that helps bring new life into the world.”

You can still donate to the cause at tinyurl.com/philnorth