A MUCH-loved Furness pub landlord who is undergoing intense cancer treatment has raised thousands of pounds with a charity headshave.

Scott Varty, described as a 'pillar of the community' at Broughton-in-Furness and who runs the village's Manor Arms pub, spent his 40th birthday in hospital after his diagnosis in February.

Having been amazed at the level of care he was receiving at Preston's Rosemere Cancer Foundation, Scott, who was born at Kendal's Helm Chase, decided to give something back.

"His hair was dropping out at quite a rate because of the chemotherapy so he came up with the idea of doing a shave," said his mother, Christine Varty.

"He's got a lot of support because he's so popular and he's a pillar of the community. He raises money and supports charities so everybody just wanted to give him something back."

Scores of supporters gathered in the pub at Broughton Square to witness his makeover, while donations online and at the pub have already reached in excess of £2,000.

"The pub was full of people watching because they had come to support Scott," added Mrs Varty, who purchased the Manor Arms with her husband David in 1988.

"The money is still coming in."

Mrs Varty, who said she has come out of retirement to help her son with the pub since his diagnosis, said his illness had taken everyone aback but credited his attitude.

"It's a tremendous shock to the system when anyone gets cancer, but particularly when it's your son," she said. "But everybody has been amazed by his positive attitude towards it. "He's still funny and he's still just himself."

Mr Varty had been ill since December and was eventually diagnosed with testicular cancer with lymphoma. Fortunately, Mrs Varty said medical professionals have said his particular type of cancer has a 95 per cent chance of being treatable.

To support the fundraiser for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kathleen-Bartlett