Fred Dinenage, the much-loved frontman of Meridian Tonight, has been broadcasting to viewers in the south for over thirty years. In that time, he's done many things - except change his image. We dragged him away from the newsdesk to jazz up his look and take him on his first ever fashion shoot

In Fred Dinenage's dressing room, it's scissors at dawn. Hairdresser Penny Etheridge, Principal Art Director at Storm, is trying to convince the Meridian Tonight TV presenter to let her cut his hair.

"I can't go too short," says Fred who has sported the same look for many years now, "my microphone earpiece will show."

Fred is also concerned that the cut will take about forty five minutes - he's normally in and out of his barbers in no time at all. "What's she going to cut!" cried Fred.

It takes a while of expert coaxing by Penny who has over 20 years experience in hairdressing to persuade Fred to let her make a start.

"It's a psychologically thing that men with receding hair want to hold on to all they've got," said Penny. "But this isn't always the best way of making the most of their hair."

Fred, who has now relaxed, jokes, "If ever I recede, I won't hold on to it!"

By shortening the sides and tapering the hair at the back , Penny is able to give more shape and thickness to Fred's hair.

She also introduces Fred to the wonderful world of hair products. Serum flattens the hair cuticles and the look is finished off with wax.

The verdict "It wasn't as harrowing as I thought," said Fred. "It all seemed a bit radical at first but now I think going that bit shorter looks a lot neater. I'm sorry I ever doubted Penny's expertise."

Underneath the formal news presenter look, there is definitely an adventurous spirit waiting to get out.

"When I finally retire and go and live in Spain, I'm going to rebel and grow a ponytail, " he confesses.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.