Big shave smashes world record

Kerikeri 14-year-old Ashleigh Sadgrove - until Friday instantly recognisable for her long hair - goes under the clippers in Friday's Bald Angels world-breaking fundraiser. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF

A Far North charity has smashed the world record for the most heads shaved in an hour.

The Bald Angels big shave at Kerikeri's Turner Centre on Friday evening saw 462 people lose their locks to a team of 10 clipper-wielding hairdressers.

The previous record, set in the US state of Wisconsin in 2012, was 371 heads shaved in an hour.

The amount raised is not yet known - it could be weeks before all donations are tallied - but it is expected to outstrip the charity's last big fundraiser in 2012, when 62 people went bald and raised $45,000.

Those who gave up their hair for the cause included Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis, Deputy Mayor Tania McInnes, Rugby Sevens legend Eric Rush, police officers, doctors and even toddlers.

The money raised will go to vulnerable children and their families in Northland.

More details and photos to come in the Northern Advocate and Northland Age.