MORE than 100 spectators descended on a Chickerell pub to see a landlord go under the razor to raise awareness for mental health causes.

The Lugger Inn landlord, Liam Coles, said goodbye to his luscious locks after the pub teamed up with Lions Barber Collective (LBC) to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health - by holding a headshave event.

Mr Coles, who runs the pub alongside his mum Gill Coles, said the motivation behind the event was to raise as much money - and awareness - for mental health charity Dorset Mind, which has seen a rise in users since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Coles said: "I think everyone knows at least someone who has struggled with the issue during the past year. Whether it's minor or major - it's been difficult."

The day saw a wood fire BBQ, live music from musician Carly Varley - as well as the 'mane' event.

The pub landlord reached out to LBC Dorset ambassador Stacey Ayles, who runs Loch & Key Barber, in East Street, Weymouth. The LBC raises awareness for mental well being and suicide prevention.

She said: "Prior pandemic, I ran a mental health drop-in session for people struggling with mental health.

"I've been an LBC ambassador for around four years and with the current climate I’m sure this event will be a great story for positivity and boosting local morale.

"It’s been a rough time for everyone and we want people to know that there's support.

"Every penny counts, but raising awareness and being there to help is just as important.

"Human interaction is something we all crave and it’s an exciting time to see the light at the end of the tunnel, with social anxiety looming over us all, this will be a great opportunity to ease in to ‘normal’ life.

Ambassador for Dorset Mind, Ross Duncan said: "Events like this are important because they raise awareness to people of how to access mental health services.

"More people are talking about mental health than ever before. The charity's services have been in high demand during the pandemic."

Also on hand to help and support was Weymouth masseuse Gordon Sharp, who offered Covid-secure massages for donations.

The Lugger Inn have a Just giving page. If you would like to donate, visit: https://bit.ly/3tQffy9

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830999

e: sam.mckeown

@newsquest.co.uk

twitter: @SamMcKReporter