A LITTLE girl has raised £330 by getting 15 inches of her hair cut off to help children who are being treated for cancer.

Mia Barkess, seven from Tanfield Lea, Stanley, had her long locks chopped into a neat bob to help the Little Princess Trust.

The charity uses the donated hair to make wigs for youngsters who have lost their own during chemotherapy treatment.

Mia, who goes to Tanfield Lea Community Primary School, want to help because her great aunt, Melanie Willey, died from cancer aged 34 in 2012.

The family has also donated Ms Willey’s wig to the charity.

Andrew Barkess, Mia’s dad, said it was her idea to have her cut off.

Mr Barkess, 34, who works as an electrician, said: “It was something she came up with herself.

“I don’t know whether had seen something on her tablet, or read something somewhere that gave her the idea. She wanted to help a little boy or girl that doesn’t have hair. She loves her new hair but she will be growing it again because she does like having it long.”

Mia had her hair cut at the Secret Salon in Stanley before her hair was sent to the charity.

Mr Barkess said: “We are so proud of her.

“We cannot believe how generous she is.

“She is a little diamond with a heart of gold.”