A WORCESTER youth worker's hair-raising idea for getting funds to improve two youth centres has prompted youngsters to come up with some ideas of their own.

Natasha Harris, aged 38, also gained the admiration of other youth workers when she decided to have her head shaved in aid of the Medway Road and Ronkswood youth projects, where she works.

"It's a very brave thing to do," said Victoria Cooper, who runs the Medway Road project.

"I'm not too worried about it. I've bought some hats," said Natasha, who had been growing her hair for three months before she had it shaved off this week.

Ronkswood youth and community worker Rob Rich won the privilege of shaving her head by pledging the largest individual amount of sponsorship money, but a hairdresser was standing by, just in case.

Her husband, Richard, was philosophical about the stunt.

"He understands my reasons and, as he said, it will grow back," said Natasha.

She raised more than £250 in sponsorship, which will go towards setting up a drama group at Medway Road and buying a computer for the Canterbury Road centre.

"I've been doing youth work for 18 months now and I love it. I'm from Ronkswood myself, but I also work at Horizon in the city centre and at the Perdiswell skate park.

"My head shave has given Ronkswood young people a taste for fund-raising.

"They are coming up with all sorts of ideas, so we should get the computer fairly quickly," she said.