Staff at Carlisle Combined Court are aiming to be a cut above for their latest fund-raising drive next month.

Employees at the Earl Street complex, which includes the crown and county courts, will collect cash in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support at a coffee morning. Previous events have been well supported.

Volunteers are being sought, with a theme of "brave the shave" having been adopted.

Good sport James Rees-Dobbs has put himself forward and will have his head shaved in a bid to boost the charity's coffers.

Carlisle Combined Court administration officer Helen Wilson said of her colleague: "James is 35 and from South East London, and has been with the court service for 17 months.

"He is ex-military and sees 'brave the shave' as a fun challenge - but insists that we leave his eyebrows alone!

"James enjoys the great outdoors and is about to become a new dad with his lovely wife, Bryony.
"He is looking forward to raising as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support and is also looking forward to consuming large quantities of sweet treats."

It is hoped more courts staff will also "brave the shave" at the hands of a local stylist, while other workers will make cakes, confectionery and savouries for the coffee morning.

This will be held from 10am on Thursday, October 12, when members of the public will also be able to make donations and purchases.