BOLTON social worker Paula Wilkinson plans to shed her locks in preparation for a Chinese charity adventure.

Later this year Paula plans to join a team of women walking part of the Great Wall of China in aid of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity.

And in order to raise funds for the trip, the 33-year-old mum is undergoing a sponsored head shave just three days before she jets off.

Paula, of Trawden Avenue, Smithills, will spend two weeks hiking 90 miles in blazing sunshine through desert and mountain.

And after losing her hair at the Step Out in Style salon in Brownlow Fold she is planning plenty of protection.

"It will be the hottest time of the year so I am going to make some bandanas," she said.

Paula was spurred into joining the China challenge after seeing a TV appeal for the charity, which helps fund breast cancer research.

She had a friend who died from the illness last year and was determined to undertake her first charity challenge.

So while 13-year-old daughter Ashleigh enjoys a relaxing holiday with relatives this August, Paula will be sweating it out on the Great Wall having raised more than £2,000 in sponsorship for the privilege.

As well as the head shave, a relative is sponsoring her to stop smoking and she is adding the £25 a week she normally spends on cigarettes.

And a karaoke night has been arranged at Hardy Hall in Little Lever on May 18.

Getting fit for the adventure is also a priority and she is now going for long walks on Rivington Pike and training with Bolton Mountain Rescue Team.

But she can't relax when she returns from her marathon walk as the next day she is jetting off again to be a godmother at her best friend's baby's Christening -- in Australia!