Newspaper editor Ian Mean has faced one of the most hair-raising experiences of his career – taking part in a charity leg wax.

Ian, who edits The Citizen in Gloucester, was one of four ‘volunteers’ who agreed to have their legs waxed to raise money for the city mayor’s charity appeal.

But although he thought it might be fun to take part, the journalist was soon doing anything but laughing.

Ian, (pictured), said: “It was a fairly painful experience and one that I never want to repeat.

“I’m not particularly macho but this wasn’t something that I would normally do. It was also done in a shopping mall in the middle of Gloucester so all and sundry were looking on and witnessing our pain.”

Joining Ian for the charity stunt was colleague and Citizen columnist Martin Kirby.

He said: “I can’t believe women actually pay to have it done!

“I’d like to point out that I was only screaming in agony for effect to please the crowd.

“It wasn’t quite as painful as I thought it would be but it was painful enough, and I’m just hoping that the hairs will grow back.”