A SELFLESS Ulverston schoolgirl has chopped off her Rapunzel-length locks in a bid to help those in need.

Katie Stringer turned 10 on Monday July 25 and to celebrate her special day she decided to pay the local salon a visit and donate her hair to popular charity, the Little Princess Trust.

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The Croftlands Junior School pupil was joined by her grandmother Sharon Greenhow who was amazed at how brave she was.

Mrs Greenhow said: "She was adamant to have it cut.

"We are so proud of her thinking about other poor children who are going through such a hard and painful time and have lost their hair through the treatment.

"I couldn't believe she smiled the whole way through."

Hairdresser Mel Dennison at Hair by Inspirations, in Windermere, offered to chop Katie's locks for free because it was going to the worthy cause.

The charity has seen its popularity rise in recent years following the high profile donations of hair from One Direction member, Harry Styles and singer Jessie J.

Launched in 2006 the organisation was founded by the parents of Hereford schoolgirl Hannah Tarplee who lost her battle with cancer the year before.

At that time, finding high quality wigs for children was very difficult and the charity encourages people to go for the chop and help create a large supply hair so high quality products are easily found across the country.

"I think if children have a lot of hair, they are quite affected when they see those who don't have any.

"Katie wanted to do this for a long time but her parents said she had to wait until she was 10.

"She says she wants to do it all over again," said Mrs Greenhow who lives in Woodland Road, Ulverston.

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If you would like to find out more or you are keen to donate go to http://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/donate-hair/