AN AMMAN Valley schoolgirl has proved a cut above the rest when it comes to charity fundraising.

Nine-year-old Llian Caines, from Tairgwaith, put herself in line for the chop and has raised £1,606 for Latch, the Welsh children’s cancer charity, when she had her lovely tresses snipped.

As well as securing much-needed funds for the charity, Llian donated her hair to the Little Princesses Trust, which provides wigs for youngsters undergoing chemotherapy as part of their cancer treatment.

Llian’s fundraising efforts have been a long time in the making – her inspiration came when she learned that elder sister Ffion had been diagnosed with the disease at the age of just six – but she was forced to leave nature take its course.

“This is something that I have wanted to do for a long time and when my hair was long enough I could finally do it,” said Llian.

“Ffion was diagnosed with cancer when she was six and had to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“She lost all her hair and needed to have a wig.

“She is all better and 18-years-old now and I love her lots.

“She is the reason I am doing this.”

Llian was cheered on by a large crowd at Tairgwaith Workingmen’s Club where hairdresser and family friend Joanna first plaited the youngster’s hair into 16-inch long lengths.

Sister Ffion had the honour of cutting the first plait, with Joanna completing the job.

The tearful sisters ended the day with a hug.