A TOWY valley schoolgirl has chopped off her locks so her hair can be used to make wigs for children with cancer.

Eleven-year-old Olivia White was inspired to support the Little Princess Trust after seeing a family friend lose of her hair while suffering from childhood leukaemia.

The trust provides free real-hair wigs to children who experience hair loss due to cancer treatment.

The trust discovered that hair loss had a detrimental effect on the youngsters and wigs improved their sense of wellbeing and had a positive impact on their lives and that of their families.

Touched by the work of the trust, Olivia, who lives in Cynghordy, decided to cut 12 inches from her flowing locks at Shipshape Hair Salon, Brecon, on March 18. Her hair will be used to make a wig.

"It makes me feel happy," said the Llandovery College Prep School pupil.

"I will miss my hair but it is going to a good cause,"

So far Olivia has raised over £1,000 for the charity through sponsorship.

The Little Princess Trust was set up in memory of Hannah Tarplee, from Hereford, who lost her short battle with cancer in June 2005.

When chemotherapy caused the loss of her hair, Hannah’s parents found it difficult to obtain a suitable wig in a child’s size.

Following her death, the couple created the charity so that children in similar circumstances could receive a real-hair wig, free of charge, as quickly as possible.

The Little Princess Trust helps boys and girls from all over the UK and Ireland.

For further information, visit their website littleprincesses.org.uk