Police officer Emma Brown had a helping hand from her two sergeants for her headshave to help Macmillan Cancer Support.

Miss Brown, 39, of Marlborough, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in January and vowed to shave her head to show solidarity with other cancer sufferers.

The response officer, who is based in Swindon, held the close cropping event at Goldsworthy’s hair salon in Marlborough.

She was joined by parents Steve and Jennie, partner Justin Kimber, her in-laws, Sgt Alex Spargo and Sgt Nigel Kinderman and colleagues from Marlborough, Devizes and Pewsey.

She said: “I was quite excited because I knew I had people turning up to support me. Money that was raised made everything worth it.

“It has taken a bit of getting used to, but I really like it. It is striking to see a female with such short hair. It gets people talking and that will highlight it to other people.”

Miss Brown, who joined the force 20 years ago as a special constable, was suffering from a cough and pain in her lower right abdomen. A rugby ball-sized tumour on her right ovary was found to be responsible.

The tumour and ovary were removed and she is due to start chemotherapy at Great Western Hospital, in Swindon, soon.

She said: “Work has been supportiv. They continue to keep in touch with me and do anything they can do. The Chief Constable tweeted the event taking place.”

Miss Brown has raised £3,000 and had message of support and donations from friends, former colleagues, old school friends and people who have heard her story.

Her father Steve, a retired traffic patrol officer, said: “We are very proud of her. We would like to thank her partner, Justin, for everything he has done for her.”

To donate to the appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/PCEmmaBrown