SELFLESS teacher Emma Langan has donated nearly 16 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust to make wigs for children with hair loss while pupils and parents sponsor the big chop.

Robert Wilkinson Academy teacher had her plaits cut off in front of a full assembly and will donate the sponsored proceeds of £923.03 to Macmillan Cancer Support.

She said: "My hair can grow again, but some children's can't and I want to help. I know the charity struggles to get enough hair.

"Having short hair has taken a bit of getting used to, as the last time it was short was 20 years ago.

"I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the Robert Wilkinson community so it has been worth it.

"Macmillan is a charity that is particularly important in my personal life at the moment as my grandad Dave Pickering has terminal cancer so I am glad to be helping raise important funds.

" It was devastating news. He is such a good guy and has always been fantastic and supportive."

The school in Strensall has been fundraising for cancer charities with various events and activities.

"One of the school's parents, Sam Beavers is climbing Kilimanjaro in September to raise £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and as a school we are raising money to support him," Mrs Langan added.

"It was actually Sam's youngest daughter Enya who suggested I chop off my hair.. We are hoping to raise over £1,000 more for Sam's target through a non-uniform day.

"Sam gave a talk in assembly about his climb with his team mate Dan Ward. Raising money for cancer charities is close to all our hears, as so many families are affected."

Mr Beavers said: "Myself and Dan are going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and are aiming to raise £10,000 between us for Macmillan Cancer Research. Neither of us have ever done anything like this before and it is going to be the challenge of a lifetime."

More than 200 children, parents and staff from the academy staged a Race For Life to aid Cancer Research UK as part of National School Sport Week activities recently.