A sponsored head shave will be among the events taking place to raise money for the paralysed victim of a tragic accident.

Chances Snooker Club in Dovercourt is staging several fundraising events on Saturday to aid David Pells, the chef paralysed in a swimming accident in Oman.

Mr Pells, 23, who was brought up in Harwich, was injured when he hit his chin on the seabed while swimming. He is currently receiving specialist care at Berkshire's Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

Joanne Moll, who has organised the day, said it would include snooker and pool competitions, as well as a raffle and the auctioning of some Ipswich Town merchandise.

She said: "Local businesses have been supportive and donated things for the raffle which have been received with thanks.

"There's lots of things going on, anything and everything to get some money. It's not the fact David's not working, but adapting for families is hard when they have to travel up there."

The "Shave for Dave" will be done by a number of David's friends - plus his father Stephen and brother Nathan. It was chosen as David had to have his hair shaved off to receive treatment and is expected to raise more than £500.

Anyone who wishes to enter the tournaments can turn up at the snooker centre in Kingsway from 1.30pm.

David's mother Teresa said her son's head was due to be released from traction on Monday after which it was hoped his movement would improve.

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