SMASHING a world record in York proved a close shave for hundreds of volunteers, even though the margin of success was by much more than a head.

The hair-razing feat, in which 228 volunteers had their heads shaved in four hours, has also helped East Yorkshire woman Dianne Owen raise more than £30,000 for cancer charities.

Her team of hairdressers, working at York's McArthur Glen Designer Outlet yesterday, beat the old record, held by an Australian group, by 62 heads.

Now Dianne, of Pocklington, is waiting for official confirmation from Guinness, before her fantastic feat is included in next year's book of records.

Dianne held the event to raise cash for cancer charities Candlelighters

and the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Her six-year-old son, Robert, who also had his head shaved, is battling against leukaemia.

Dianne said she was confident that donations and sponsorship had helped raise more than £30,000 for the two organisations.

Dianne said: "We broke the record. That was 156 heads and we did 228. The Australians held it. We had five hairdressers and four hours to do it.

"There was a big crowd at McArthur Glen and the atmosphere was fantastic. It was really great.

"Everyone at McArthur Glen was really helpful. When we had problems with

the clippers they were rushing off to get us some more."

Dianne said she was now gathering all the necessary evidence to ensure Guinness would make their efforts an official world record.

"We have video tapes and all sorts. We have to send that in and then just wait for them to come back to us. There were a lot of people helping us. It was a great day."

Updated: 16:34 Monday, January 20, 2003