THE owner of a convenience store in Thornton has had his head and beard shaved to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Surinder Singh Atwal, who owns the Premier shop in Thornton Road, undertook the challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Local hairdresser Leah Sutcliffe shaved his hair and beard, which he had been growing for nine weeks prior to the challenge.

Mr Atwal said he know a few of his customers have been affected by the disease, and felt he should do something to raise money for the charity.

He said: "What really got me was when I went to see a relative at Bradford Royal Infirmary who was receiving chemotherapy treatment.

"That really touched me and got me thinking that I needed to do something in aid of the charity.

"I feel very light now without my beard, but its very strange not having anything there to play with!"

So far, Mr Atwal has raised around £450 in his store, but also has a Just Giving page where he is also raising money.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Atwal can visit justgiving.com/surinder-singh-atwal to donate.