NEWLY qualified teacher Leanne Brown knew she would be facing some challenging times in the classroom. But her latest undertaking is probably one of the bravest.

Leanne, 23, has volunteered to have her hair shaved off in front of students at Dart­mouth Acad­emy to raise money for charity and increase awareness of people suffering with cancer.

‘The academy is full of students and staff from all over South Hams and Torbay and I know many have been effected by cancer through family members and friends,’ said Leanne, who teaches English and drama.

‘I sadly lost my grandad to cancer two-and-a-half-years ago and I am passionate about the work Mac­millan Cancer Support does for those who have faced cancer.

‘I decided in October last year to sign up for the charity’s Brave the Shave campaign to raise money.

‘I wanted my students to be involved with this and I let them know what I intended to do right away.’

Leanne will be having her hair shaved off at lunchtime on Friday in front of the whole school.

‘I have had overwhelming support from staff and students and we are raising money through cake sales and a mufti day,’ she said.

Leanne went on to say that the academy had many exciting extra-curricular events coming up which she was also proud to be part of.

‘In the Easter holidays next year, we will be taking 20 students to New York City for five days,’ she said.

‘We will be visiting many different places including the 9/11 memorial gardens and museum and the Nuyorican poets cafe, where the students will have an opportunity to watch the citizens of New York present their own slam poetry.

‘We were recently visited by the Rotary Club of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and will continue with our connections with this group through our involvement in the Mayflower 400 celebrations.

‘These events will be providing our students with a chance to immerse themselves in another culture and discover future opportunities.

‘We are continuing to encourage high aspirations throughout the curriculum and giving students the time to broaden their horizons inside and outside of school.

‘I have had a very challenging year at Dartmouth Academy for my first year in teaching.

‘However, it has been an extremely enriching and positive experience.

‘I am excited about the future of the academy and I really feel like part of a team here.’