A YOUNG girl has been honoured for her efforts to raise money for charity.

Nine-year-old Mia Selby, from Consett, completed a sponsored head shave in December at Leadgate Primary School.

She donated 15 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust and raised £2,350 for the Great North Air Ambulance.

Mia, the youngest of three girls, lives with her mother Rachael Selby, and her dad, James, a railway mechanic in Villa Real.

She came up with the idea herself having seen the air ambulance on television and being aware of a couple of incidents in the area where the flying medics were needed.

Mia’s teachers cut her plaits off and headmaster, Mark Watson, gave her head the final shave and all in front of classmates in their school assembly.

Now she has been given a Young Hero Award by Durham Constabulary and was presented with it by Inspector Dave Stewart.

A spokesman for the force said: “The children and staff thought she was absolutely fantastic and she got huge cheers from everyone that was there. Mia’s hair, which was 15 inches long, will be used to make wigs for children affected by cancer.

“Mia is a worthy winner and thanks to Consett Football Club and Geordie’s Signs for sponsoring this year’s awards.”