A YORK optician has lost her locks to help a charity which makes real-hair wigs for young cancer sufferers.

Alex Brightwell, store manager at Specsavers in Acomb, donated more than nine inches of her previously waist-length hair to the Little Princess Trust, which relies entirely on fundraisers as it does not receive formal funding.

Alex, whose hair has now been cropped to a shoulder-length style, said: “I’ve been growing my hair since I was a little girl and have wanted to change my style for a little while. I’m so pleased to be donating my hair in such a personal way.”

The Trust helps girls and boys throughout the UK who have lost their hair through cancer treatment, alopecia and other conditions, and provides the wigs for free.

More information is at littleprincesses.org.uk