A VIKING reenactor from Stourbridge is having his beard and long locks chopped off to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Adrian Smith wants to thank the charity for the support his wife Alison received during her eight month battle with breast cancer.

The hirsute 48-year-old had intended to face the razor when Alison first started to lose her hair due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, but decided against it.

He explained: "I thought this could come across as insensitive by reminding her that she'd got no hair. So I have decided to wait until her hair started to grow back and have mine cut the same length."

Now Alison has finished her treatment, Mr Smith, who often takes to the battlefield part of Cestrefeld Living History Group, will get the chop on February 21 at the Bay Horse pub in York.

Adrian, who grew up in Heath Street, said : "I've had long hair since junior school, it's never been shorter than shoulder length. I don't think anyone will recognise me for a long time."

The father-of-two, who now lives in Stafford, has already raised £500 and hopes more donations will flood in after the event.

To sponsor Adrian, visit www.justgiving.com/adesheadshave.