THEY have taken him 20 years to grow and are 5ft long – but next week Gareth Robinson will be cutting off his famous dreadlocks for charity.

The 35-year-old first had his hair twisted into dreadlocks when he was 16 and they have become part of his personality.

He said: “It’s pretty much maintenance free. When I was younger I put all manner of things on them after following advice from my friends such as wax, egg whites and beer. In more recent years it has been easy to manage, although washing it can be a two-person affair. My partner Jana has to hold it out of the way while I wash my scalp, otherwise they can take three days to dry!”

Gareth, who lives in St Michael’s Road, Bournemouth, said he made the decision to lop off his locks for Cancer Research UK. The charity is close to his heart after his mother Lin was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2003 and ovarian cancer less than three years later.

She underwent surgery and was given the all-clear.

Since her diagnoses, Lin has taken part in a series of Race for Life events in aid of Cancer Research.

Gareth said his colleagues at Cega Air Ambulance at Hurn are helping to fundraise.

He plans to cut his dreadlocks off next week before being given a brand new hairstyle by the experts at Bournemouth’s Toni & Guy who have offered to cut his hair for free on Tuesday.

“I am really nervous about having my hair cut. It is all I have really known and I have no idea what kind of short style will suit me,” he said.

“When I walk down the street my friends tell me that I attract quite a lot of attention. It will be quite nice to become anonymous and just blend in.”