A PART-time hairdresser is a step closer to Africa after a fundraising night at the salon where she works.

Laura Cockburn, the ‘Saturday girl’ at the Janet Maitland salon, in Durham City, is planning to travel to Lesotho, in southern Africa, to work with the Orphans of Aids charity.

Her fundraising efforts were boosted by a Hair and Soul evening at the salon, which raised more than £500.

The evening included hair treatments, fruit cocktails, live music, raffles and fancy dress.

Ms Cockburn, from Sherburn Village, will leave for Lesotho next month. She will be helping to educated villagers about HIV and decorating an orphanage.