A YOUNG boy who took it upon himself to grow his hair for four years is soon to part with it to help give poorly children a confidence boost.

Thirsk youngster Ethan Simmons has been growing his hair since he was seven-years-old. Now at the age of 11 he is preparing to have it all cut off today to be used in wigs by the Little Princess Trust and given for free to young cancer sufferers.

His parents, who ironically are both hairdressers, say they were baffled when Ethan decided by himself that he wanted to grow his hair so long.

Mum Emma explains: “He was only seven and just point blank started refusing to have his hair cut, quite embarrassing seeing as myself and Ethan’s father are both hairdressers.

“However no amount of bribery or nagging could persuade him to have a cut, even when his auntie got married and begged him to have a smart haircut for the photos, he simply refused.”

Ethan is also raising money for the Little princess Trust and is less than £100 away from reaching his £1,000 target.