A determined council officer has shaved her head in a bid to raise vital funds which will help bring laughter and joy to children who need it most.

Sara Barratt, customer experience officer for Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Council, raised more than £600 for The Flying Seagull Project through her efforts on Monday, April 30.

The Flying Seagull Project brings games, shows and play to children in refugee camps across the world.

Through play the charity aims to help the children develop both mentally and physically while strengthening social bonds to ultimately make the world a happier place.

Ms Barratt organised the charity event to take place during lunch at the council's Riverside offices.

She said: 'I heard about the charity about a year ago and was struck by their unique approach.

'They are silly, funny, slightly bonkers, but with a completely serious goal – to bring some laughter and moments of lightness into the lives of children who are in unimaginably difficult situations.

'Having the chance to relax, play and be children even for a little while must have such a beneficial effect of their mental health and wellbeing.'

She added: 'People keep telling me what a brave thing I'm doing by having my head shaved.

'It's lovely to hear, but it is just a hair cut.

'I know where my family are and that they are safe. I have a home. I haven't had to abandon everything I know because of war, travel to a strange country in fear for my life, love in a makeshift tent and try and make some sort of life when I don't know where I will end up and what will happen. That's brave.'

Ms Barratt's colleagues Helen Wright and Jo Stance wielded the scissor and clippers while council staff gathered to show support.

The hair which was shaved off, 47cm in total, will now be donated to the Little Princess Trust to provide real hair wigs to children and young adults who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other illnesses.

To support Ms Barratt and donate to visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarabarratt