A NEWPORT hairdresser has taken on an ambitious world record attempt for the most 'updos' in a day, to raise funds for Gwent youngsters.

Jenna McDonnell, 28, of Eveswell, decided to embark on the ultimate hairdressing challenge this month - to create over 100 wedding hairstyles in 12 hours.

Miss McDonnell runs business Jenna McDonnell, on Chepstow Road, specialising in wedding and occasion hair, makeup and accessories.

On May 9 the ambitious hairstylist set to work from 7am to 8pm to single handedly create over 100 updos for clients going to weddings and other occasions, and to raise funds for four charities helping Gwent children.

She created the 100 ‘dos in 12 hours and 55 minutes.

“It was the longest day of my life!” Miss McDonnell said.

“It was my own idea as when I do weddings people always ask whether I can manage to do four people at once, so I can now say I can do 100!”

Miss McDonnell hopes to raise £2,000 for charities For Luca; Casey’s Cause; Maisie’s Step to Hope and Leo Dixon.

So far she has raised £1,500 and hopes a similar event in the future may bring her to the final target.

“I really like kids and if I was going to do something for charity I wanted it to be a children’s charity,” she said.

“The ones I chose have different reasons behind them-Leo’s mum is a friend of mine and Luca’s auntie is a family friend.”

Miss McDonnell has similar connections to Casey and Maisie.

On hearing of her efforts The Guinness World Records are said to be keen to include it in their collection, meaning Miss McDonnell may have to repeat her success this summer.

“We will know in around five weeks if confirmation from the world record books will be approved and will be doing it all again so I can hold the new world record!" she added.

“Fingers crossed, but I really enjoyed it so I’m sure I can do it again.”

There was a ‘steady flow’ of customers throughout the day which saw Miss McDonnell complete 107 hairstyles, including 20 wedding hairstyles; 10 children from a birthday party; and the rest were for people going on nights out.

To donate visit: http://www.gofundme.com/pes92g