A GIRLY girl who loves to brush and style her hair went for the chop so she could help less fortunate children.

Sophie Simpson from Crook, County Durham, had her 14in brunette plait cut off then donated the hair to The Little Princess Trust.

She is also raising the £350 needed for the charity to turn it into a wig for a child who has lost their hair through cancer treatment.

The nine-year-old was inspired to support the charity with a dramatic new look following the loss of an uncle, Bob Marshall, of Wheatley Hill, to cancer.

Her mother, Emma McConville, said: “She started asked about life and death and whether children could get cancer so we looked on the internet and she discovered the charity, she wanted to help straight away.

“At first she wanted to get her hair shaved off but I agreed to a short haircut, I’m very proud of her.”

Classmates and teachers at St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School, in Crook, family and neighbours sponsored Sophie and she already raised has almost £200.

She said: “This is the shortest I’ve had it but I don’t mind, it makes me feel happy to know I’m helping other children who are sick.”

Hairdresser Helen Robinson of Hair Haus, in Bishop Auckland, is Sophie’s godmother and was happy to give her the dramatic new look.

She said: “She is such a lovely, caring girl and it is such a thoughtful thing for someone her ago to do.

“Her mum has brought her up so well to be so special.”