Family and friends have put their heads together to support cancer sufferer Lesley Cook - and had them shaved.

Lesley Cook, of The Clovers, Halstead, discovered she had breast cancer last year and underwent a mastectomy.

She is now undergoing treatment which has led to her losing her hair.

But her family and friends have shown their support by having their hair cut off too - and raised £2,000 for research into breast cancer.

Lesley's nephew Jake Ward, two, his brothers, Dean and Luke, and cousins Mark, Stuart and Georgina Harrington and Kayleigh and Paul Clegg all lost their locks.

Mrs Cook's three sisters, two brothers and other pub regulars also took part in the event at the Red Lion in New Street, Halstead, on Saturday.

Lesley's sister, Sharon, who works at the pub, said they wanted to make her feel better after she began chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She said: "It was a brilliant day and we were amazed how many people turned up. The pub was packed. It was like New Year's Eve.

"Lesley really enjoyed herself as she hasn't been out for a while. We had a good old laugh. I was bit worried for Kayleigh as she is only 12, but she insisted on taking part.

"I think everyone was very brave and I know Lesley was pleased even if she does think we're mad."

The sponsored event in Halstead linked up with another close shave in Barbados.

Mrs Cook's sister, Debra, is on holiday but did not want to be left out, so while she talked on the phone to her family her husband shaved her head.

"I think everyone was very brave and I know Lesley was pleased even if she does think we're mad."

Skin deep - Lesley Cook, centre, with friends and family after the head shave.

Pictures: TERRY WEEDEN

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.