AS Bolton's deputy mayor, Cllr John Monaghan has been called upon to conduct a large number of official duties.

But when he took up the post, it is unlikely he thought shaving his daughter's head would be one of them.

Yet in front of a dozens of excited schoolchildren at St Matthew's Primary School, on Kentford Road, Halliwell, that is exactly what he did.

And more than £200 was raised in the process.

Two of the enthusiastic spectators were Gene and James, both sons of Sue Pasquill, the head shave victim.

James, aged five, nodded when asked if he thought his mother's mad-cap fund-raising attempt was worthwhile while Gene, four, whispered a "yes".

Minutes later, there was no turning back as Sue sat down and allowed Cllr Monaghan to click his razor into action.

Even Sue's ponytail felt the wrath of the clippers after the schoolchildren cheerfully voted it should go.

Scarily, Cllr Monaghan asked if he should cut off her ears. More scarily, some said yes.

But within five minutes it was all over and Sue was breathing a sigh of relief -- until she was shown a mirror.

She said: "I've been wanting to have my hair cut for a while and I thought I may as well make some money for the school at the same time.

"It's mad I know, but then I always do silly things."

The 34-year-old Bolton Institute student brought along two wigs --one of which was bright purple -- and a baseball cap bearing the Nike slogan, "Just Do It".

She intends to chose between the three. She revealed: "I'll wear the purple one around Christmas, probably with a Santa hat."

The money will go towards the general PTA funds. Deputy headteacher Debbie Shakeshaft said: "We're continually raising money for the school and it all goes into helping us give the best to our pupils.

"We're very grateful for Sue's help."

Sue sent a message to her demon barber, however. "I think it's my father's turn next," she joked while a worried Cllr Monaghan rubbed his hair.

The deputy mayor said: "I didn't have any trouble at all. It came off quite easily."

ABOVE: Cllr John Monaghan shaves the head of Sue Pasquill, watched by sons Gene and James, to help raise funds for St Matthew's School