BOURNEMOUTH man Gareth Robinson is sporting a brand new look after cutting his hair for the first time in 20 years.

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

But he made the decision to cut his 5ft dreadlocks to raise funds for Cancer Research UK 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.

Yesterday Gareth arrived at Toni & Guy in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, to have his hair cut into a very different style and he says he is slowly getting used to his new look.

“It’s a nice change.

“I have noticed that no one is staring at me – I just blend in with the crowd.

“When I had it cut, one dreadlock by one I felt like I was holding a dismembered limb.

“It feels quite light and now I will know what waking up with bed hair is really like.”

Stylist Jay James, who offered to cut Gareth’s hair for free, said: “It is very brave of him to have his hair cut in such a dramatic fashion after 20 years.

“We are going to have to go for a short look.”

Gareth has raised £550 to date.

To sponsor him visit justgiving.com/garethpjrobinson