He’s been called The Hairy One and even Jesus but Andrew Barnard says it’s time for a monumental makeover - for the sake of his mum, nan and two charities close to his heart.

The 28-year-old, from Jubilee Avenue, Warboys, has not had a haircut in four years and has a bushy beard to match his shaggy mane.

But a date has been set for a transformation of biblical proportions which is likely to leave him unrecognisable to many.

Mr Barnard, or Barney to his pals, said his lengthy locks are a legacy of his travels with girlfriend Claire Brown.

“I originally started growing my hair when I was travelling around Australia. The cost of a haircut was the same price as a crate of beer, so I chose the crate of beer.

“At the moment, it’s about 18 inches long, getting on for halfway down my back.”

Something more than a trim has been on his mind for months, with the intention of raising funds for two good causes, the Skin Cancer Research Fund and The Little Princess Trust.

Mr Barnard’s dad, Roger, died aged 51 in January 2002 after being diagnosed with skin cancer. And the date which has been set for the cut - Wednesday, February 26 - would have been Mr Barnard Snr’s birthday.

Instead of throwing away his flowing locks, they will be donated to The Little Princess Trust, which helps make wigs for children who suffer hair loss while undergoing cancer treatment.

The cut will take place at the home of Mr Barnard’s mum, Carol, with hairdresser Lindsey Jenkins entrusted with the scissors.

“Claire will be glad to see me get rid of it, so will my mum and nan - my nan, Irene Joyce, even offered me £100.

“I’m not sure how short it’s going to go. We’ll get rid of most of it and see what happens with the rest. I don’t think I’ll have a lot left.”

Mr Barnard thanked family and friends who had made donations towards his £500 target, along with work colleagues at engineering firm Cambridge Precision Ltd in St Neots.

INFORMATION: To support Mr Barnard, visit www.justgiving.com/thehairyone.