A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl who has donated locks of hair and raised money for charity shared some festive cheer tonight (Tuesday, December 2) when she switched on a Christmas lights display.

Phoebie Stephenson, of Stanley, raised over £1,000 for Sands, a charity supporting families who have lost their baby at birth, and donated a total of 29-and-a-half inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust.

In recognition of her kindness, Phoebie met Durham County Council chairman, Jan Blakey, before flicking the switch to light up the Christmas tree on the County Hall roundabout in Durham and the tree outside the council's headquarters.

The youngster chose to raise money for Sands in memory of her brother Charlie, who was stillborn in 2008. Phoebie first donated 12 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust at the age of six, so it could be used to make wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.

Her generosity continued and at the age of eight she had another 17-and-a-half inches of her locks cut, which she donated to the trust.

Throughout this she continued to raise money and awareness for Sands.

Her proud dad, Brian, said: “Phoebie loves to help people and we wholeheartedly supported her decision to raise money and awareness by having her long hair cut off for both these charities.

"Words can’t express how amazing it is for her to be given this honour."

Phoebie and her family, including her two younger brothers, Marcus, six and Logan, four, arrived in style this evening - chauffeured in a limousine, courtesy of her school, Shield Row Primary School.

Head teacher Andrew Knighton, said: “Phoebie is a delightful young lady with a heart of gold.

"I asked the children last year to think about how they could change the world. Phoebie's acts of kindness and generosity are an example to us all. She is a star."

Phoebie said: “I felt really excited when Mr Knighton told me, it was an amazing surprise.

Bursting with pride mum, Kelly Stephenson, said: “This has come as a huge surprise, we are extremely proud of Phoebie and everything she has done for The Little Princess Trust and Sands.”

Cllr Blakey adds: “It never ceases to amaze me how caring young people are.

"The fact that she is only eight years old and has already helped so many people by raising money and donating her hair is just brilliant.

“I can’t wait to meet Phoebie, a young girl with a big heart, and her family.”

To donate money to Phoebie’s cause, visit www.justgiving.com/phoebie-stephenson