An ex-fireman and three friends have raised £2,500 after chopping off their locks in aid of Macmillan Cancer Trust.

Dan Rickett, 57, of Gammons Lane, Watford, had originally planned to have his hair cut off as part of the charity's Brave The Shave campaign in memory of his wife Trish, who died in 2013 after being diagnosed with Lymphoma.

However, while discussing his fundraising plans at The White Lion, on St Albans Road, barman Jack Connelly and his aunt Kathleen Connelly said they would join him.

The fourth member of the group, Ngaire Gamble, overheard the conversation and also said she would like to join the team.

Mr Rickett said: “So far we have raised £2,500 between us.

"Macmillan provide fantastic support, not just for the patient but also for friends and family. At the end of the day it’s just hair. It will grow back.”

He worked as a fireman across Hertfordshire and his old colleagues were some of the 150 people who came to The White Lion last Saturday evening to support the group as they had their hair shaved.

“I got the idea from an advert on TV," he said.

"I then started to grow my hair long over six months. I try to do something each year. I have cycled the London Bike Ride to raise money for Lymphoma.”