HE'S known among friends for his bushy beard and mane - but now John McElholm has shorn his locks for a cause close to his heart.

And it's not the first time the generous electrician has gone for the chop.

He first decided to shear his hair for charity in 1987 - and his close shave was covered in the Evening Times.

Since his 1987 fundraising success, John has had his impressive beard and hairall cut off 12 times for charity, all at his local pub the Ben Nevis in Glasgow.

Now John has had it done once again to raise £1000 for Yorkhill Children's Hospital.

John said: "The children's hospital is a cause really close to my heart as I have several friends with children who were treated there.

"It definitely puts life into perspective when you hear of what some of the children and parents have to bear. Losing my hair is really nothing.

"I've got my woolly hats looked out though, just in case it's cold."

Scott Hamilton, 34, a regular at the Ben Nevis, said: "John looks like Bagpuss with all that hair.

"We're so used to him being hairy it will be very strange to see him shorn.

"Everyone is so grateful to him for doing this."

John has been drinking at the Ben Nevis since the mid-1960s and was so renowned for his bushy hair, licensee Elaine Scott had a doll made in his likeness.

Elaine said: "John is one of our best known regulars and everyone recognises him for his bushy hair.

"He looks like Santa Claus at the moment, so I can't imagine him without it but at least we'll have Mini John as a reminder."

Big-hearted John, who lives in the West End, raised more than £1000 by charging people to chop an inch from his locks.

The 59-year-old is no stranger to fundraising. He has been taking part in annual events at his local since the 1970s.

He has joined adventurous regular customers who walked from the Ben Nevis pub to the peak it's named after and taken part in 10K races to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

John added: "The regulars here at the pub are like a big family.

"We all know each other well and rally round to help anyone who's in trouble.

"Lots of us have been drinking here for upwards of 40 years and it's a real community hub. I'm just pleased I could play my part."