Friends and relatives of a popular Colkirk teenager who died last year have raised more than £8,300 at a head shave and body wax held in her memory.

Ellie Loades died from cystic fibrosis in November, aged 16.

On Friday evening The Colkirk Crown pub hosted the colourful charity event which was organised by Ellie's father Nick Loades, 46, and best friend Jess Leeder, 16 from Gorleston, to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, where the former Fakenham High School pupil was treated.

Mr Loades said: 'We have raised £8,379 at the moment and money is still coming in.

'I think that is an unbelievable amount, I didn't expect we'd get half of that, and it just shows how well Ellie was thought of by everyone.'

Twenty two people sacrificed their hair on the night and some, including Mr Loades and Miss Leeder had their hair dyed green, Ellie's favourite colour, a few days before the event.

Ellie's mother Elaine Loades showed her support by donning a green wig on the night.

Miss Leeder, who met Ellie through Easton College where they were both studying an equine course, said: 'I'm so pleased with how much we've raised. The pub was packed and we had so much support which was amazing.'

Mr Loades said he would like to thank The Colkirk Crown, staff from Ficarra's Spa, who did the waxing, staff from Amie's Hair Design and Alan Hair Designs, who did the hair cuts, and everyone who took part and raised money.

We have previously reported how Ellie's parents are setting up a charity called Ellie's Love, in her memory, which will raise money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices, the Norfolk branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and the teenage ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

For more information about the charity contact Mr Loades on 07889 157895.