16093/1GAZETTE & HERALD: SELF-CONFESSED nutter Ali Ashley is willing to have her hair dyed any colour under the sun to help the Gazette's Springboard Appeal.

Mrs Ashley, who runs Hollands Newshop in Market Place, Chippenham, is accepting nominations in return for cash.

"I have a sponsorship form on the counter so customers can suggest what colour they want me to go," said the 49-year-old. "So far I've had pink, red, blue, green, yellow, gold and silver. My 16-year-old son Aaron even said he'd give me a fiver to go grey."

The most popular colour will win, and so far pink and red are out there in the lead. Mrs Ashley's hair will be dyed by Benita Andre in The Courtyard on May 19 at noon.

"People keep asking me what colour I don't want to go but my answer is I honestly don't mind as it's for charity," she said. "When I saw little Fabian Viles in the Gazette the first week it was launched I knew I had to do something and Springboard is such a good cause.

"I really hope the appeal goes well and raises a lot of money for Springboard. If people just sponsor me 50p that's 50p it didn't have before, and every little bit adds up."

So far Mrs Ashley has collected £160 in sponsorship. She is also organising a raffle in aid of Springboard, and has bought all the prizes herself.

"First prize is a huge food hamper, then there's a pair of binoculars, toaster, personal CD player and lots of little bits."