A TEENAGER who has been growing her hair for several years so it is long enough to donate to charity has had it chopped off to make wigs for sick children.

Rachel Butcher, from Durham, had 12 inches of hair cut off to donate to The Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children and young people who lose their hair.

The 14-year-old, who is a pupil at Durham Johnston School, decided she wanted to donate her hair a couple of years ago but wanted to wait to grow it as long as she could.

The Northern Echo:

Rachel Butcher, before getting her hair cut

She said: "It's nice to do something quite simple to make a big difference in someone's else's life and hopefully help them live a normal life."

She had her hair cut by Sofia Barbaro, who is the third generation of her family to cut hair at Enzo in New Elvet, Durham.

Clare Butcher, Rachel's mother, added: "She did such a great job. I think she was worried Rachel might burst into tears when it was gone but she's really happy with it."