Project manager Dave Ford has headed up a charity stunt by getting a 1970s Kevin Keegan-style curly perm.

The 50-year-old decided to risk ridicule to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, a charity close to his heart after his father died of cancer 20 years ago.

Dave, who works for E.ON’s Energy Services in Kingswinford said: “It’s obviously a charity that means a lot to me and I’ve had my head shaved for charity in the past, but this time I thought I’d do something a little bit different.

“It was a bit embarrassing getting the curly perm done and, obviously, quite a few colleagues have had a laugh at my expense, but when I think about how much money I’ve raised for charity, I’m just really pleased to have done something to help make a difference. “

He added: “So far I’ve managed to raise almost £700 for the charity, as well as matched funding from E.ON, so it was well worth it and I’m looking forward to getting my hair cut and back to normal very soon!”

E.ON UK supports its employees’ favourite charities by matching funds raised through sponsorship and other activities undertaken in employees’ own time.

It will match up to the value of £500 per employee per year or up to £3,000 for a group.