A GROUP of fathers gritted their teeth as they had their legs waxed to raise money for children in their community.

The four men gathered at Selby Close Community Centre, St Helen Auckland, where Amanda Merritt from AJ's hairdressers, in West Auckland, was waiting with the wax.

Father-of-three Rob Campbell, 29, was the first to take the plunge, to raise money for new Playzone, which will provide activities for children from the area.

He was joined by Stephen Morley, 42, Peter Scott, 32, and Shaun Pattinson, 20, who all bravely sacrificed their dignity in front of a room full of women on Monday.

Mr Morley also volunteered to undergo the painful ordeal of having his chest waxed after he was challenged by local councillor Andy Turner.

Mr Morley said: "It is a good cause and will provide something for the kids to do over the summer. Councillor Andy Turner said he would give me £20 if I had my chest waxed."

Businesses from Bishop Auckland also donated prizes for a raffle, which was drawn by retired jockey John Wilson, who stood in after Grand National jockey Richard Guest was unable to attend the fundraising event.

Secretary of Playzone, Julie Wilson, said: "We have had a tremendous amount of support and the men did really well. We are proud of them."