TWO sisters have had their long locks chopped for the first time in more than four decades - and they did it all for charity.

Both Lillian Devine, 62, and Rosanna Allum, 60, went for the crop to help raise cash East Lancashire Hospice and Macmillan Nurses.

Lillian of Honey Hole, Blackburn, last saw a professional hairdresser 40 years ago, when she was 22. And sister Rosanna, of St Alban's Court, Blackburn, has waited even longer. She has gone a staggering 46 years without a cut, style or blow dry.

But Lillian has admitted doing the odd trim and chop herself.

She said: "I had a fringe and when it grew and started to get in the way I would get the scissors and give it a quick chop."

Now their hair doesn't even reach their shoulders - let alone the bottom of their backs where it used to be.

Lillian said: "We came up with the idea when I was on holiday in Tunisia with my sister and a friend. It was really hot. We thought we'd had long hair for all these years and we wanted to get it cut.

"But instead of just getting it cut we decided to raise money for charity."

Lillian and Rosanna, who are regulars at the Infirmary Hotel, Bolton Road, Blackburn, decided to help the pub raise £10,000 for East Lancashire Hospice and Macmillan Nurses.

Lillian said: "My husband died of cancer, he would never have let me cut my hair if he was alive but I just want to give something back."

The pair took it in turns while the whole room looked on as Annie O'Neill, of Hair by Annie, Mill Hill, who took her scissors to their hair.

Lillian said: "Annie could cut mine in one go but she had to to cut Rosanna's off in sections because it was so thick. I have kept mine at home.

"Now my hair only takes half an hour to wash and it's easier to manage."

Rosanna said she loves her new look.

She added: "It's great."

The pair raised £143 on the night itself but have got much more to collect and hope their fundraising efforts will help the Infirmary Hotel total reach the £10,000 mark.

The pub has been raising money for East Lancashire Hospice and Macmillan Nurses for past 12 months with activities including a bike ride from Leeds to Liverpool.

If anyone would like to make a donation contact the Infirmary Hotel on 01254 278113.