A charity beard shave and the aroma of freshly-baked cakes has raised hundreds of pounds for a cancer cause at a school fundraiser organised by one of its pupils.

Eastern Daily Press: Hethersett Junior School assistant head Marc Harding has his beard saved off by barber Francis Bayliss after being inspired by pupil Emily Anderson to raise money for MacmillanPHOTO BY SIMON FINLAYHethersett Junior School assistant head Marc Harding has his beard saved off by barber Francis Bayliss after being inspired by pupil Emily Anderson to raise money for MacmillanPHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK)

Charitable year six student Emily Anderson dreamt up the Hethersett Junior School fundraiser in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support after being inspired by her grandmother's battle with the disease.

Joining forces with assistant headteacher Marc Harding, the pair encouraged pupils and parents to bake sweet treats for the big day last Thursday.

And after each class had a chance to spend their pocket money on the cakes and biscuits, they gathered to see Mr Harding, with the help of Wymondham-based McQueen's Barbers, lose his trademark beard.

He said: 'I mentioned it to Emily as a joke when we first started planning it, and it just stuck.

Eastern Daily Press: Hethersett Junior School assistant head Marc Harding has his beard saved off by barber Francis Bayliss after being inspired by pupil Emily Anderson to raise money for MacmillanPHOTO BY SIMON FINLAYHethersett Junior School assistant head Marc Harding has his beard saved off by barber Francis Bayliss after being inspired by pupil Emily Anderson to raise money for MacmillanPHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK)

'They found it hilarious - I couldn't see what was going on but it must have looked funny as they were all laughing.'

He said it was the 'wrong time of the year' to be without the beard, but said it had been worth it.

'My chin has been very cold since,' he said, 'but I've been told I look 10 years younger.

'It was a great turn-out and we were pleased with how everything went.'

He said so far the school had raised just under £600 but hoped to top the milestone in the coming days.

• For more information on the charity, visit www.macmillan.org.uk• Are you organising a day of fundraising at your school? Let us know by emailing lauren.cope@archant.co.uk