A MAN raised more than £1,000 for charity by asking for donations instead of presents for his 50th birthday.

Frank Rutland, who runs a hairdressers of the same name, decided to raise money for the Prospect Foundation by charging 150 people £5 to attend his birthday bash.

In addition, he received contributions from clients at his Marlborough salon, and donations from top hairdressers, including Lulu's ex husband John Frieda.

Frank said: "My mother died of cancer, as did both of my wife's parents. Several years ago a close friend died at the Prospect of a brain tumour, and there were several more of my friends and family that spent time there."

David Line, general manager of Prospect Hospice, said: "It is so absolutely tremendous that on a very special birthday this man is thinking of others rather than himself.

"We are supported terrifically by the community in Swindon, and Mr Rutland is another example of how superb the community is."