TWO caring youngsters have had their hair cut off for charity.

Rhian Warner, 14, had her locks lopped off by ex-Darlington College hairdressing tutors, Suzanne Wilson and Lynne Gallacher at Carmel RC College today.

The event was to raise money for The Little Princess Trust which provides real-hair wigs – costing £350 each - to children across the UK and Ireland who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

With the help of her dad, Rhian organized the event to commemorate the death of her mum, who died of oral cancer in 2008.

More than £300 has been donated so far, outstripping her initial target of £50.

Rhian said: “It was an awesome feeling when I was holding my hair in my hands.

“My friends are really proud of me and they are giving me loads of support. I am really happy.”

Around 600 students and staff attended the school’s John Caden Hall in the school’s lunch break.

Reflecting on the day’s events, she added: “I think my mum would be really proud of me.”

Niamh Bourne, 12, from Piercebridge, Darlington, also had her hair shaved to raise money for the same charity.

Hairdresser Richard Hammond cut her hair at Saks, in Blackwellgate, on Friday morning.

Niamh’s proud mum, Zoe, said: “It was something that came completely out of the blue. She just came home from school one day and said that she wanted to have her hair cut for charity.”

The year seven student from Staindrop School has so far raised £370.

Further donations may be made for Rhian at justgiving.com/Rhian-Warner-head-shave ; and for Niamh at justgiving.com/Zoe-Bourne2