It's not premature hair loss, though, but a self-inflicted stunt to raise cash for sick and disabled children.

Ben, who celebrated his birthday on Friday, said: 'I suppose I'm a bit vain about my hair, so I was a bit nervous about having it done.'

The Jewsons worker was egged on by work colleagues to do the deed, having his legs and eyebrows waxed in addition to his head shaved.

So far Ben has raised more than £500 for his troubles.

All the cash will go to the Little Treasures Children's Trust, a charity that works to ensure extremely sick children and their families get the support they need.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: 'We're just overwhelmed by what Ben has done to help us.

'We couldn't continue to do our work without the generosity of people like him.'

Ben's work colleagues are still adjusting to his new appearence.

Dean Allen, who is Ben's manager, said: 'I must admit it was a bit of a shock. He looks like Yul Brynner.'

Those wishing to make a donation can do so by visiting the Cosham branch of Jewson on Knowsley Road.