AN East Cornwall youngster has selflessly lopped off her long locks to benefit children suffering with cancer.

Ten-year-old Amelia Young from Gunnislake had her waist-length blonde hair chopped off to donate to the Little Princess Trust, which provides free, real hair wigs to children who have lost their own hair during cancer treatment.

She was inspired to donate her hair after seeing an article highlighting the trust's work.

Amelia's hair was cut off and styled into a pixie crop by Donna Burrage, co-owner of Dudes Modern Barbers of Plymouth at their salon in Stoke Village. Mrs Burrage is no stranger to donating her time for charity as five years ago she shaved off the long hair of Amelia's step-father Adam for Children in Need.

For the cut, Amelia's hair was tied into four braids, each measuring more than seven inches in length — the minimum length that can be donated to the trust. It was then removed and placed in a padded envelope to be sent off to the Little Princess Trust.

Amelia hoped that others may see how easy it was to do something positive and that anyone looking to make a radical change to their long hair may follow her example.

For more information about the Little Princess Trust visit http://www.littleprincess.org.uk">www.littleprincess.org.uk