IT was a close shave for a group of Southampton friends when they took part in a sponsored event to raise money for a local hospital.

Members of the darts team at Bishop's Waltham Social Club organised the event after 31-year-old Jason Cook lost his hair following an operation to remove a brain tumour.

The father-of-one, from Priory Close, Bishop's Waltham, was diagnosed with the tumour after suffering a series of seizures, and underwent an operation at Southampton General Hospital a couple of months ago.

Mr Cook, an estate agent, said: "I've just had radiotherapy treatment, and I'm waiting for the doctor to give the all-clear.

"Most of my hair fell out because of the radiotherapy treatment. Then all the other guys on our darts team said they would have it done as well, so I didn't feel left out."

The group has raised about £1,000 from the event, which will be donated to the hospital's neurological department to buy new equipment for the unit.