A THORNBURY student has had to lose his locks to help raise cash for a charity trip he planning later this year.

Josh Skinner, 17, who goes to Castle School, shaved off all his hair earlier this month and collected £600 in the process.

However, Josh is not just another teenager trying to make a fashion statement, as his drastic change in hair style was an attempt to raise money to pay for a trip to Uganda.

In October he is planning to head out to the African country to work with children at an orphanage in a small village called Namugongo, just outside the capital city Kampala.

The orphanage named Ty Cariad, or in English House of Love, was set up and is now supported by a church in Cardigan, West Wales.

As well as helping out at the orphanage during the 10-day adventure Josh will also be visiting local schools and a local English speaking radio.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to going and being part of the team to help in this orphanage. I feel that this trip will help me to put into perspective the life that many of us lead in this country."

Josh, who hopes to follow a career in medicine, will have to take time out from studying for his A-levels for the trip.

As well as shaving off all of his hair Josh is also busy saving to help collect the £900 needed to fund the Ugandan mission.

Despite only being 17, Josh will be travelling in a team with 12 other volunteers and has the full support of his parents, Paul and Tina.

Mrs Mitchell-Skinner said: "Josh is determined to make a difference and this is such a good opportunity for him, and hopefully by then his hair will have fully grown back."

To show your support for Josh email joshskinner999@hotmail.com