YOUNGSTER Lily Spilman and Marlborough nursery manager Shona Cady have had almost two-foot of hair cut off between them for charity.

There was tears and cheers as nine-year-old Lily, a pupil at Great Bedwyn Primary School, made the brave decision to have all her long blonde hair shaved off.

While a nervous Mrs Cady, 30, who lives in Croft Corner, Burbage and is manager of The Avenue Day Nursery, decided to part with her 10 inch brunette locks and swap it for a below the shoulder cut.

The pair took the plunge for the Little Princess Trust on Friday at the nursery in Savernake in front of a crowd of family and friends who gathered to support them, before Vicky Parfitt from Absolutely Style chopped their locks.

Despite reservations there are no regrets for Lily and Mrs Cady who were determined to do it for the charity, which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair to cancer or other illnesses.

Mrs Cady, who has been manager of the nursery for two years, said: “I started growing it when I was getting married in 2012 and I said to my husband I would grow it until I could sit on it. Lily decided she would quite like to do it too and I said let’s do it together.

“I was very nervous before but Lily was ready to do it and it was quite a shock afterwards because it feels shorter than it looks.

“Lily did have a bit of a cry when we said she could look in the mirror. But I am so proud of her. It is such a selfless thing for a young person to do and it was all her idea.”

Lily’s mum Anna Spicer, 43, said: “It is absolutely amazing. I thought she was going to bottle out. But she is very quiet and if she said she is going to do it she will.

"She did cry when it was done but she really loves it now and I think she looks great.

“All her friends came to watch and there was a lot of moral support and donations. Between them they have raised a lot of money and we want to say thank you for everyone’s support.”

The pair’s hair is now in the post on the way to the charity and they have also raised more than £1,000 for the charity online and through cash donations. To donate go to: justgiving.com/annalilyspicer

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The pair have raised more than £1,000 for charity. Pic: Siobhan Boyle (SMB848/11)