A FORMER pupil of Tedburn St Mary Primary School, who is now a pupil at The Maynard School in Exeter, recently donated half a metre of her hair to the Little Princess Trust.

Bethan Thomas (13), from Whitestone, donated her hair to the charity which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair as a result of cancer treatment.

Prior to the hair cut on June 25, Bethan said on her just giving page: "Like many families, we have recently lost several close and treasured family members to cancer.

"I want to cut my hair shorter and it will be fantastic to be able to donate my hair to a really great charity that not only makes wigs, but also funds research into cancer treatments and the causes of childhood cancer.

"My friends and family know that I’m instantly recognisable by my trade-mark plait. I’m hoping to cut half a metre (50cm) of my hair off which means my plait will be gone!

"Whilst I can donate my hair for free, the charity needs money to make the wig. I read that it takes 60 hours to make a wig by hand, and I want to ensure I cover the cost of making the wig as far as possible. Please donate through this page to help cover that cost."

To-date Bethan has raised more than £500 for the charity and she would welcome more donations.

Her parents, Caroline and Richard and grandmother June Redfern say they are very proud of her.

They added that it is such a worthwhile charity which others considering having their hair cut might like to consider.

If you would like to make a donation, please use the justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bethan-thomas50 .

Alternatively, donations can be made via the "Crediton Courier", 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF.