DREADLOCKS which had grown to more than 15cm after seven years without a trim have been chopped off by a Chard man hoping to raise £2,000 for charity.

Will Smith had been growing his hair out since 2013, but bid farewell to his long locks to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Will, 24, who runs SMS PC and iPhone Repair in Chard, streamed charity chop live on Facebook to raise money for Mind in Somerset.

Will said he has suffered from mental health problems for eight years, and has also seen friends and family battle with their own mental health and well being.

Before the trim, he said: “I’m going to brave the shave to help Mind in Somerset because I’ve struggled with mental health quite a lot in my life and want to support the community.

“I suffered from anxiety and depression and too many people suffer in silence.

“My condition was so bad, I couldn’t pick up the phone, but now I’m better I want to help others in the same boat and Mind in Somerset does great work across the county.”

Setting himself an epic target of £2,000, Will has already collected more than £1,200 in donations.

It is not too late to donate to Will’s fantastic fundraising effort.

If you can spare some cash, just go to justgiving.com/fundraising/will-smith2020.

Anne-Marie Russ, Community Fundraiser at MIS, said: “Thanks so much, Will. We really appreciate your sacrifice and hope you’re not too chilly without your locks.

“Your generosity will help us run our 47 services in Somerset.”

For more information about the charity’s services in this county, visit mindinsomerset.org.uk.

Alternatively, you can phone 01935 474875.