RESIDENTS of all ages from the Vale, the Cotswolds and Stratford were pulling off the wackiest stunts to raise thousands of pounds for Comic Relief's Red Nose Day last Friday.

The charity's theme of 'A Bad Hair Day' prompted many people to cut, dye and crimp their hair into the craziest styles.

Sophie Simms, aged 11, from Broadway, went one stage further. She had her entire hair shaved off. Sophie, who attends Bredon Middle School, said: "I wanted to do something that would raise the most money. This seemed like a good idea." Her plan seems to have worked because so far she has raised over £100.

The manager of Debenhams in Stratford dressed up as Ali G for the entire day. Mark Haynes raised a few laughs as he demonstrated his uncanny resemblance to the cult comic.

Other members of staff - Lyndsey Beretoulis, Vicky Smith and Steve Gould - spent three hours in Debenhams windows last Saturday, dressed as Sharon, Kelly and Ozzy Osbourne.

Students from the Cotswold School in Bourton pulled off a show-stopping performance on the big day too. Pupils dressed up to entertain the crowds and managed to provide a little comic relief on the way too.

Among the other many individuals and organisations busy taking part were, ten-year-old Ashton- under-Hill First School pupil, Jamie Sellick who completed a six-hour sponsored silence; Oaklea Stud at Little Buckland whose staff treated the horses to hair dos; the Swan Out and Out pub in Broadway; Honeybourne pre school; Holy Redeemer Pershore; Leapfrog Nursery; Swan Lane First School; Stratford College; and the Evesham and Pershore Housing Association.

Children at Thomas Jolyffe Primary School in Clopton Road paid £1 each to not wear their uniforms and took part in a Red Nose talent show.

Schoolchildren attending a day-release childcare course at Stratford College raised money by baking and selling red nose cakes to fellow students.

Fifteen fellow first year care students visited Bishopton School to help out with their Mad Hair Day.

"This is a fun way to do some serious good," said college principal Nigel Briggs.