A BRAVE teenager has shaved off her long locks to raise money in memory of her beloved grandad.

Kirklees College student, Alex Evans, 17, from Slaithwaite, opted for a short back and sides cut in aid of Cancer Research UK.

And she dedicated the event to the memory of her grandad, Richard Kenneth Evans, who died from lung cancer in 2011.

Alex had her hair cropped in front of a big crowd of students and staff in the atrium of Kirklees College’s Huddersfield centre on Manchester Road.

Level 1 hair and beauty student Annie Holmes had the responsibility of cutting off Alex’s long hair, which measured about 30 inches.

Alex was very nervous as the clippers came in and despite being a bit overwhelmed by the experience and the attention it caused, she gave a happy smile once it was all over.

“I’m feeling very proud and getting used to the shorter hair now, although I am feeling the cold,” said Alex.

“Thank you to everyone at college for their support, particularly hair and beauty.

“Grandad was someone I looked up to greatly and he is the main reason I wanted to go through this.

“Cancer Research does amazing work for those affected by cancer and their families so I thought it would be a great charity to raise money for.”

Alex has already raised more than �200 for the charity.

Donations can still be made via her Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/alex-evans2013 .