A GROUP of parents last night urged a Church-run school to show common sense after their sons had their heads shaved for charity despite receiving letters they would be in breach of uniform policy by doing so.

The boys, some of whom attend Immanuel College in Thackley, Bradford, were yesterday raising money for Cancer Research UK after 13-year-old pupil Jaden Bell's mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

But ahead of the fundraiser, the Church of England-controlled secondary school sent warning letters to those taking part stating they would risk breaching its "extreme hair cuts" policy.

Jaden's mum Niki Williams, 38, was given the devastating news by doctors three weeks ago that she had a brain tumour. She is now starting a gruelling five days a week course of radiotherapy for six weeks.

After her son and his friends had their heads shaved, mum-of-four Ms Williams, of Mount Terrace, Eccleshill, said: "I was shocked when I found out what the school was saying.

"I hope they bow down to the pressure not to treat it as breaking the rules. I'm so glad Jaden has such supportive friends. It means a lot to me. It is their support that will see us through."

Dylan Newsholme, 13, was another of the 20 or so boys who had his head shaved yesterday.

His mother Laura Newsholme, of Fairhaven Green, Idle, said: "When Dylan was 11 he lost his nana to cancer so this is very real to him.

"The boys want to do something to try to help. Quite a few parents have been sent letters from the school saying while it supports the boys wanting to fundraise, it does not support them getting their heads shaved.

"We're not sure what will happen on Monday. The usual reaction to breaking school rules is to be sent straight home."

Another parent, who did not want to be named - but rang the school to challenge the letter, said: "My son has lost two grandparents to cancer and is losing another. I'm proud of what he is doing.

"I've challenged the school and told them I hope common sense prevails. The boys asked the deputy head if they could shave their heads and were told they would be sent out of school if they did."

The school's letter came from deputy head teacher Janet Inglis and initially praises and promises support for the boys but then goes on to warn: "Some students have indicated they may have their heads shaved.

"The college has a clear policy of no extreme haircuts. Head shaving would not be an appropriate event to support the charity and would not have our support."

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said: "It seems a bit heavy handed of the school. The boys are showing sympathy with a friend whose mother has cancer. I really think the school should go a bit easy on this one."

Barber Josh Flerin at #Hair in Swain House Road, who gave his services free, said: "Hairstyles are usually a way of people expressing their personalities.

"In this case, they are expressing their support for a friend with a very sick mum. Their school should be proud of them not threatening to punish them."

Aidan Brocklehurt, 13, who attends Hanson Academy in Swain House, also took part.

His mother Emma Brown, of Ravenscliffe, said: "Boys at that age are really concious of their looks so this is a big thing for them to do for their friend.

"I'm proud of them all. Aidan's school knows about it and has been supportive. It's a shame Immanuel cannot do the same."

Hanson Academy confirmed to the Telegraph & Argus it had given its approval as long as their boys did not come back to class on Monday with any fancy patterns.

The T&A was unable to get a comment from Immanuel College which was closed yesterday for its annual Immanuel Day which marks the day it first opened.

A Cancer Research UK spokesman said: "Our supporters come up with many ways to raise money from head shaves to abseils to bingo to no makeup selfies. However people choose to do it, the money raised all helps our life-saving work."