If Rodney can do it, then so can young Ben

But the seven-year-old from East Bowling has more reasons than most to sacrifice his locks.

Born with a cleft lip and palate, the Bradford City fan has so far undergone three plastic surgery operations at Bradford hospitals. And he is waiting for a fourth when bone will be taken from his hip and grafted between his palate and nose.

Mum Sharon said it was Benjamin's idea to organise the hair-shaving event.

She said: "He's Bradford City mad. I think he chose to do it because he's been through a lot of surgery himself and it's a case of putting a little bit back into the system that we've taken out. It's to recognise all their hard work."

The Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit at Bradford University was set up following the Bradford City Football Club fire disaster when 56 people died and 200 were treated for injuries, including severe burns.

Benjamin's previous operations have included lip and palate repair and throat surgery.

And the courageous youngster, who has had a Bradford City season ticket since he was three, has persuaded his dad to join him in the charity event.

Dad David, who works in production at Speedibake Ltd in Westgate Hill, said: "It was Benjamin who first said that he'd like to have his head shaved for the Burns Unit.

"I thought if a seven-year-old can do that then I can do that as well.

"I chose Haigy's Bar to have it done because that's where I take my daughter Rebecca and Benjamin before we go and watch the football.

"Benjamin still thinks Rodney Marsh was stupid for saying that Bradford would go down last season so he's really glad that he's going to have all his hair shaved off."

Football fans will see Marsh's hair disappear before the Leicester match tomorrow as penance for wrongly predicting the Bantams' relegation.

Benjamin and David will have their heads shaved at Haigy's Bar, Lumb Lane at 1.15pm before the match kicks off.