Spurred on by colleagues, Oxford Mail advertising executive Simon Hall had his shoulder-length locks lopped off for charity.

The 22-year-old, who works in property advertising for Newsquest Oxfordshire, said he had been thinking about getting his long hair cut for some time.

After encouragement from his friends at work, he decided to have his hair shaved in aid of the £15m Oxford Children's Hospital Appeal.

"I've had long hair for so long it was quite a big decision," said Simon.

"But it just seemed like a good way to raise money for the hospital."

The sponsored head shave, which raised £107, was carried out by Kristy Jones, who works in the newspaper's entertainment department and was carefully watched by Simon's boss Izzy Morgan, property advertising team leader, who declared his new look was fantastic.

"We all thought he would look better with short hair," she said.

And after catching a glimpse of his new shaven look, Simon's verdict was "brilliant".

The appeal, which is being supported by the Oxford Mail, aims to raise funds for a new £20m dedicated children's hospital at the John Radcliffe Hospital site, Oxford.