PANTO dancer Reece McMahon has sacrificed his beloved fringe to raise money for Martin House Children's Hospice.

The nine-year-old, from Viking Road, Acomb, was persuaded by the cast and crew of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs at The Grand Opera House in York to shave his hair.

Reece, a pupil at Carr Junior School, is one of the babe dancers in the show, and was "infamous" for his distinctive fringe.

"This is the third year Reece has done the panto and they are always ribbing him about his fringe, saying they were going to cut it off," his mum, Tracy, said.

"It has always been like his trademark. He said the only way he would cut it off was if it was for charity."

Reece, who is a member of the Jean Harvey Dance School and has won a string of trophies, was shaved at the theatre, cheered on by the cast and crew.

"I was sad to see his fringe go," Tracy said.

"Hopefully he will grow it back.

"Reece likes to give to children's charities and help other people. He is very thoughtful, and I'm very proud of him. He's a lovely little boy."

Reece presented a cheque for more than £100 to representatives of Martin House, at Boston Spa, near Tadcaster.

Martin House community fundraiser John Dowson, who is retiring and being replaced by Alison Wragg, said: "At the start of 2006, we're delighted that already we have someone raising funds for the hospice and in a very different way, which we're always pleased about.

"It has been a difficult time at the hospice over Christmas with a number of bereavements, so Reece's efforts are a much needed boost."

Tracy added: "Reece wants to be a dancer or an actor when he grows up. He is the only boy in a cheerleading squad.

"Most boys love football but he just loves dancing - that is Reece."

The Evening Press reported yesterday how Mr Dowson had helped raise several million pounds for local good causes in a career spanning nearly 35 years.

Updated: 10:10 Friday, January 06, 2006