HUNDREDS of Darlington students watched as one of their friends had her long dark locks shaved off for charity yesterday.

Alice Reid had her head shaved off by Naomi Heads of Tracy Chipperfield's salon, in Coniscliffe Road, at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form.

Fellow students clapped and cheered as Alice's long pony tail was cut off and Naomi got to work with the clippers.

In the audience was Laura Rutherford, Alice's best friend whose two-year-old niece, Katie Grant, is battling with cancer.

Alice, 17, was so touched by Katie's fight she decided to have her head shaved to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The toddler underwent surgery to remove a large brain tumour and is now having chemotherapy.

Laura said: "Alice was a bit nervous about the head shave, she's had long hair all her life, but she was really up for it today.

"Katie's hair looks a lot like Alice's does now, because of the chemotherapy, but she's the most gorgeous thing in the whole world and she's really resilient."

Alice said: "It feels a bit cold. I was really nervous and felt a bit sick beforehand, but it's fine."

Her mother, Olwen Reid, said: "I think it's a great way to draw attention to cancer research and I think she's very brave and I'm very proud of her."

Alice hopes to have raised about £700 through sponsorship and a bucket collection held in the common room on the day.

Donations can also be made at the front desk of The Northern Echo, in Priestgate, Darlington.