A BIG-HEARTED girl of nine waved goodbye to her prized locks in order to help poorly children who do not have hair of their own.

Kerry Rutherford underwent the drastic makeover after being touched by the plight of young people helped by the Little Princess Trust.

The charity provides wigs for children who suffer hair loss due to cancer treatment, which can be a deeply upsetting experience.

Kerry, from Toothill, had 10 inches of her hair cut off at Hair Works in Freshbrook Village Centre – and was left with a couple of inches in a short bob.

“It feels weird but it’s been worth it,” she said. “I wanted to do something to help other children who don’t have hair of their own.”

Kerry’s mum Paula gave the new look her full approval as she watched it take shape on Saturday.

Paula, 36, said: “I’m speechless, but I’m also very proud as her hair was very long and it’s quite a big thing for her to do.

“She saw the trust online and she wanted to do something straight away. Her hair will now be made into a wig for another child to wear.

“I don’t think she will miss it too much because she swims five times a week with Swindon Dolphin and she is always having to cram it into a swim hat.

“This way she will be able to help another child.”

Hair Works already supports the trust and staff do whatever they can to support the cause.

Kerry’s hair was put into a giant pony tail which was given the snip during the appointment.

Hairdresser Anne Pileggi said: “It looks fine and she seems quite happy. There’s about two inches left in a bob, which she will need to get used to, but it went well.”

The trust has an arrangement whereby donations of hair are sent to a factory in China by a contact in the UK. In return the charity receives a large number of wigs, which normally cost up to £2,000 each, to use for free.