A husband and wife, who live near Shepton Mallet, have braved the shave and raised more than £1,700 for charity in the process - more than double their initial target.

Adam Marshall and Jade Ogden decided to chop their locks - and the beard Adam has sported for seven years - to celebrate Jade's birthday yesterday (April 15).

"It took about an hour-and-a-half to complete the shave for both of us," said Jade.

"Adam was a bit quicker because I did lots of comedy hairstyles along the way.

"We waited until after lunch so we could enjoy a morning of full hair.

"I had started to feel quite nervous the night before, but it was actually quite fun in the end.

"I'm glad that Adam agreed to be shorn first - doing the hairdressing made me feel much more relaxed!

"It's certainly much cooler without any hair but we have both been outside without hats on.

"My brother sent me a headscarf for my birthday so that will come in handy."

To date, the shave has raised £1,724 which will be split equally between two worthy causes - The National Emergencies Trust, which distributes money to local community foundations that support charities across the UK, and Frome-based Openstorytellers.

Jade works part time for the community arts charity, which supports people with learning disabilities and autism.

"We have been absolutely blown away by all the generous support that we have been given for the hair shave fundraiser," she said.

"Thank you so much to everyone who has donated.

"The charities will each get a significant sum, which is super."

Donations can still be pledged to the online fundraiser here.