AN EIGHT-year-old girl from Farnham Common is preparing to have her hair chopped off for charity.

Lily Newport, who goes to Farnham Common Junior School, is donating at least seven inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust.

She said: “I’m scared and excited but I’m proud of myself.”

Lily’s hair will be used by the charity to provide real hair wigs to children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.

Her sister Rhian, 13, gave her the idea after hearing that some girls at her school were thinking of doing it.

Rhian’s hair is too short and curly for her to be able to do it herself, but she knew her sister already wanted to have her hair cut short.

Lily’s dad Mark said: “I like her hair long, but when she said what she wanted to do it for I was so proud. She has always been caring and thoughtful but it is surprising because she really takes care of her appearance and is always playing with her hair. It’s impressive that she’s going to cut it off.”

After talking about the idea for a little while, on Monday Lily’s mum Claire booked for their hairdresser to come round to their house in Langton’s Meadow on November 28. She also set up an online donation page, which has already received more than £500 worth of donations.

Mrs Newport said: “We set a target of £500 because the charity only asks for the hair so any money is just an added extra.

“Each wig costs around £350 each so hopefully we’ll raise enough money for at least two wigs as well as Lily’s hair.”

Most people have donated at least £10 each and Mr Newport’s company MLR Payroll Services has donated £100.

Mrs Newport’s sister also works for Watford football club and is collecting sponsorship from the players.

Mrs Newport added: “It’s quite humbling, some of the comments we’ve got when we’ve told people what Lily is doing are really quite touching.”

Lily and Rhian have been researching into short hairstyles and she has decided to have it cut into a graduated bob.

The donation page will be open for another month after Lily has had her hair cut.

To sponsor Lily, visit www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/lilynewport1