SILSDEN’S vicar has had a hair-erasing experience – but it was all in a good cause.

Fundraising for a major church hall modernisation scheme went to the head – and beard – of the Rev David Griffiths.

Half his facial hair and barnet succumbed to the scissors, wielded by Silsden mum Leanne Newsome.

Also braving it in the chair was professional dog-walker Adam Harper, who surrendered his full mop.

And 14-year-old Simon Anderson lost flowing locks he had been cultivating for the past nine years.

His hair is being donated to the Little Princess Trust, which creates wigs for children suffering from cancer.

The Haircut 200 initiative was held alongside a day of filming at St James’ Church.

Residents became ‘movie stars’ as memories of the past and hopes for the future were captured by film-maker Mike Breeze.

Stories of bygone school classrooms, theatrical plays, dances and weddings were shared by older parishioners.

Meanwhile Scouts, Guides and children from the Pied Piper playgroup spoke of their ideas for the next 200 years of life at St James’.

The film forms part of the ambitious Project 200+ venture, to raise £350,000 for a major refurbishment of the Kirkgate church hall.

Work will include renovations to the kitchen, new toilets, a sprung wooden dance floor and a patio for outdoor events, which will be accessed via modern French doors.

“It was another terrific day in our big fundraising programme – although I’m feeling a little chillier around the ears now!” said the Rev Griffiths.

Around £23,700 has so far been raised for the appeal fund.

Further events planned include a harvest band dance on Saturday, a sell-out visit by the Yorkshire Shepherdess, a murder mystery dinner, fashion show and jazz and fizz night.