AN Alcester postie is set to have his first head and beard shave in seven years to raise money for a medical research charity that funds and promotes non-animal testing techniques.

Mark Edmonds, from Hollywood, decided to arrange the fundraiser in aid of the Dr Hadwen Trust as his wife Susan, aged 47, has breast cancer.

Mr Edmonds said: "I decided to do something to help research into illnesses such as this in the only way that I felt showed people how committed I am to the challenge - and that gave people the opportunity to give knowing that their money would not be funding needless animal deaths and would actually fund real science."

The pair, who have a small rescue centre at their home called Pawings, where they care for small animals and rehome cats, are passionate animal lovers.

Mr Edmonds added: "It was important for us that the cancer charity, because of how we are with animals, did not use animal testing."

He will also donate his 22 inch tresses to The Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides wigs and hair pieces for children who suffer hair loss due to cancer treatment.

The 45-year-old has organised to have his head and three inch beard shaved in High Street, which will be carried out by Paul Lennard from the Barber Shop free of charge, on Saturday April 2.

He is aiming to raise at least £1,000 and so far local businesses and felow postman have been helping to fundraise.

To donate justgiving.com/Mark-Edmonds1.