Husband and wife Adam Marshall and Jade Ogden, who live near Shepton Mallet, are planning a special treat to celebrate Jade's birthday... shaving their heads for charity.

Adam will be cutting off Jade's wavy locks while Jade will be taking the clippers not only to Adam's hair, but also the beard he has sported for seven years.

Jade told Shepton Mallet Nub News: "One huge positive that's come of the awful coronavirus pandemic is the way that communities and the public have come together to get behind those doing their best to support the most at risk members of our society.

"I was out on my Government rationed walk alone and thinking what we could do to raise money and, hopefully, a smile at the same time.

"As we are stuck at home I thought a charity headshave would be a bit of fun. When I suggested it to Adam he agreed without hesitation."

The couple are raising funds for two worthy causes - The National Emergencies Trust, which distributes money to local community foundations that support charities across the UK, and Frome-based Openstorytellers.

"The coronavirus lockdown will doubtlessly have a massive affect on all charities, but Openstorytellers is particularly close to our hearts," said Jade.

"I work part time for the community arts charity, which supports people with learning disabilities and autism.

"While our staff are providing a skeleton online support service to our members, our earned income and usual fundraising activities have stopped and money is needed to pay the rent and make sure the charity can safely resume when everything gets back normal."

The couple, who have been married six months but together for 11 years, hope to raise £750 to be shared equally between the two charities.

They set up an online fundraising page on Wednesday (April 1) evening... and £655 has been pledged already.

Jade said: "It's amazing, we are extremely grateful to everyone and there's still time if anyone wants to donate before my birthday on April 15."

The clippers have been delivered to the couple's home - although Jade hasn't built up the courage to take them out of the box.

"I will be giving Adam a full hair and beard shave, but I will keep a millimetre or two on top... I'm a tiny bit worried that it might not grow back otherwise," she said.