AN annual charity cricket match has received a hair-raising boost from its co-organiser to celebrate its tenth year.

Pedmore cricketer Andrew Smith and his friend Nigel Swain, from Halesowen, have raised around £10,000 over the last decade with their friendly match.

But this year Mr Smith, known as Riff, has raised already raised £2,000 before a ball has been thrown after letting his hair and beard grow for six months – and dying it blond.

The 44-year-old vehicle engineer, of Charles Road, Halesowen, turned even more heads when he was persuaded to leave a tuft as his tumbling locks were shaved off at Pedmore’s six-a-side day last month.

Mr Smith has also been busy selling raffle tickets for a grand draw to take place during the charity match on Sunday (August 24) at Halesowen Cricket Club, when he will also lose his beard and tuft.

Another £1,000 is expected to raised on the day, which starts with a junior match at 11am, followed by the senior game at 2pm, and includes a barbecue and cake sale.

There will be an auction disco and curry from 6pm and the proceeds will be split between Mary Stevens Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Society, the Paul McCann Fund and the Richard Beaumont Foundation.

Donations can be made at justgiving.com/Andrew-Smith120.