A WORCESTER couple's charity hairdressing event has proved a cut above the rest, raising nearly £2,000 for the city's St Richard's Hospice.

Edwina Muckle, who owns Verity hairdressers in York Place, and her husband Tony organised the event at the shop on Saturday.

It was the couple's way of saying thank-you to staff at the hospice, who helped the couple after Tony was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and given a slim chance of survival.

On the day, a total of about 150 people came along, either for a trim, to get mini-manicures, have their nails painted or take part in activities including a tombola, raffle and bring-and-buy sale. Teas, coffees, cakes and biscuits were also served, with several tables set up outside the York Place premises.

Mrs Muckle said her staff worked tirelessly throughout the day for free, cutting and colouring customers' hair.

She added: "It was absolutely fantastic and it was like a big party - it was just so overwhelming.

"I just couldn't have asked for it to go any better, it was so inspiring."

Fifteen months after being diagnosed with cancer, Mr Muckle has battled against the odds and is getting ready to go back to work at Dynamo, his PR company in Hallow.

Mrs Muckle said the support they had received from the hospice had been tremendous and they would continue to sell raffle tickets until Friday to boost the sum raised for them.

The new St Richard's Hospice is currently being built in Spetchley and is due to open for patients in the autumn.

Fund-raisers need to generate the £2.8m, which will be needed annually to provide the specialist care and support for patients and families.