Mike Hodgson has pledged to make one of the biggest sacrifices of his life so he can join a re-enactment group.

The retired driver is preparing to lop off his two-foot-long ponytail in order to join the ranks of Haworth Home Guard.

Army haircuts of the Second World War are regulation requirements among the troop so he is preparing to say goodbye to the ponytail he has cultivated over the past 37 years.

It will be sliced off in front of the crowds in Haworth Main Street at 3pm on Saturday, May 14, during Haworth’s 1940s weekend.

And to ease the pain, he will content himself with the knowledge that it is all in a good cause.

“I’m raising sponsorship for the Help the Heroes charity. I’ve already got £2,400 pledged, so it’s been worth it so far,” said Mr Hodgson, of West Shaw Lane, Oxenhope.

“I’ve wanted to join Haworth Home Guard for some years and I’ve attended the 1940s events in the past as a civilian with my hair tucked under a hat.

“But by cutting off my ponytail I can become an authentic member of the group and wear the uniform.

“I’ll admit I’m very upset about it and so is my wife but it’s for a good cause.”

He will be easing the pain somewhat by keeping the hairpiece. He added: “My wife is to glue it to the back of a baseball cap so that I can wear it when I go to country music festivals.”

l The 1940s event is organised by Haworth Village Association and will include a Battle of Britain Flypast at 2.30pm on the Saturday.