A pair of kindhearted schoolgirls have cut off their flowing locks to help young cancer patients.

Best friends Poppy Southgate, 11, and Rebecca Hague, 10, have both had seven-and-a-half inches of their hair cut off after hearing about the Little Princess Trust.

They donated it to the charity which collects hair to create wigs for children across the UK and Ireland who have lost their own after going through cancer or other illnesses.

Poppy's mother, Laura, said: 'A close family friend of Rebecca's died of cancer recently and it was Poppy who looked into ways she could help people in similar circumstances.

'That is when she came across the Little Princess Trust.

'It was a really good day and I was extremely proud of both of them for wanting to cut their hair and donate it to the charity.

'The pair of them were very brave to have half of their hair snipped off and they now both have short bobs.

'During their haircut we had a coffee morning which also helped raise money to donate to the charity so they can make the wigs.'

Founded in 2006, the Little Princess Trust has given away more than 2,000 wigs to children who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment and other illnesses.

As well as donating their hair, Poppy and Rebecca collectively raised around £700 at the coffee morning which was held at Meadow Way Chapel.

Among the guests at the coffee morning was Norwich North Conservative candidate Chloe Smith, who helped donate by buying a coffee and a cake.

Are you taking part in an event to raise money for charity? Email kieran.lynch@archant.co.uk