A TEN-YEAR-OLD girl who has been growing her hair for six years has had her 16 inch long plaits cut off to help children with cancer.

Mia Grace Harris from Copmanthorpe started growing her hair when she heard how children could donate their locks to help make wigs for youngsters who had suffered hair loss through illness.

As well as having her thick, long hair cut, Mia has raised a remarkable £1,300 for charity - smashing her target of £350, meaning she has nearly reached the cost of making four wigs.

Meanwhile, her dad Adam, 44, has also helped boost the coffers by having his head shaved at the event at Copmanthorpe Primary School after losing a bet with Mia that she wouldn't be able to get her challenge on local radio.

Mia said: "My cousin Katy did this seven years ago and she inspired me. I didn't expect to raise so much money and I feel very happy I have been able to raise so much.

"I really like the new hairstyle."

Mia's hair and fundraising money will go to The Little Princess charity - a name her grandmother Jenny Harris said is apt as Mia said she felt like a princess when she learned she shared the same name as the Queen's great-granddaughter Mia Grace.

She has raised money through going to car boot sales with her grandmother and selling buns with the help of relatives including 93-year-old great-grandmother Hilda Ring.

Mia's efforts have not come as a surprise to her mum Kerry, 43, who said she was usually thoughtful and looked out for her younger sisters Evie, eight, and Isobel, six. She said: "Since Katy did it it she thought 'I will grow my hair'. She asked when she could do it and we said when she was a bit older. She has been growing her hair for six years now."

To sponsor Mia visit www.justgiving.com/Mia-Harris-Hair/