THE run-up to Christmas is a time when women across the country flock to hair salons hoping to look their Yuletide best.

But one woman has pushed vanity aside to give a friend the ultimate present - her long curly locks.

Clare Davies offered to shave her head to support friend Joanne Humble, who has lost her hair through chemotherapy.

And yesterday, Mrs Humble was the guest of honour as Mrs Davies waved goodbye to her long auburn hair at her home in Long Newton, between Darlington and Stockton.

The friends met when they started working for Orange on the same day more than seven years ago.

The pair, who work in sales for the mobile phone company, are both aged 34 with two children.

Last night, Mrs Humble, from Shildon, County Durham, said: "I can't put into words what Clare has done for me. Until now, I was ashamed, I didn't dare answer the door. But Clare doing this has given me more confidence.

"She looks lovely, really nice, if I look anything like her, then it is not too bad."

Mrs Humble was diagnosed with breast cancer in August, and is going through her second round of chemotherapy - but didn't lose her hair during the first round.

Mrs Davies let her five-year-old son, Callum, help as a friend shaved her head. She has raised £900 for Cancer Research UK.

Last night, Mrs Davies said: "Joanne has just started her second round of chemotherapy and when she started losing her hair, it was the final straw. She was devastated. I primarily did this to cheer her up - then we thought of getting sponsored."

Mrs Davies husband, Cliff, who contacted The Northern Echo to say that he was getting a "bald wife for Christmas", said last night: "Clare looks pretty good and I am quite happy."

Readers can sponsor Mrs Davies by visiting www. justgiving.com/clare_davies