A NINE-year-old Kidderminster girl has sacrificed her long locks to support a charity that helps children going through cancer treatment.

Rosie Newman, a pupil at Franche Community Primary School, wanted to donate her hair after learning about the charity The Little Princess Trust.

The charity provides real hair wigs to children who suffer hair loss through cancer treatment, and relies on donations of long, healthy hair to produce the wigs.

Rosie said she was determined to donate after Rachel Markall, the mum of one of her classmates – who donated her hair before undergoing cancer-busting treatment, did so.

“I thought she was very brave to do that so I wanted to do the same”, said Rosie.

“I’ve wanted to do it for ages but wanted to get my hair longer first.”

Hairdresser Emma Richardson, from Andrea Beers Hair Salon in Mill Street, Kidderminster, performed the deed, cutting off about eight inches of hair and leaving Rosie with a new short style.

Rosie’s mum, Annmarie, said: “Once she knew about this charity she had her heart set on supporting it.

“It was all her idea, which makes me immensely proud.”

Rachel was also very moved by Rosie’s hair-raising decision. She said: “I am so touched that Rosie felt inspired by me to have her hair cut off for a cancer charity - she’s the inspiration.

“I wish there were more people like her as the world would be a nicer place.”

Last year Rosie won her school’s annual Citizenship award for her caring attitude and kindness to others, with Val Weddell Hall, headteacher, saying Rosie was a credit to her family and the school.

For more information about The Little Princess Trust visit littleprincesses.org.uk